Yom Kippur

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YOM KIPPUR

Name of the Jewish holiday termed "the Great Forgiveness" (also Expiation or Purification). Celebrated on the tenth day of Tishri (20 September–12 October) when every Jew accounts to God for his or her actions. Following Rosh ha-Shanah, this holiday is characterized by a complete fast of 24 hours and by the ceremony of Kol Nidre, during which all participate in a common repentance. The Egyptians and Syrians surprised the Israelis by launching a major Arab-Israeli war on Yom Kippur in 1973.

SEE ALSO Arab-Israel War (1973).

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