Yom Kippur

This past weekend was Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement. It's an amazing holiday in that it is observed by the whole country. Much like the Christian's Easter or Christmas, it is one of the few days that finds many non-religious Jews in the synagogue, fasting and praying for the forgiveness of their sins. Everything in the country shuts down including businesses, public transportation, and all roads. Cars are not allowed on the roads, and, except in the case of an emergency, you will get ticketed for driving if you are caught. It may sound restricted, but it is a wonderful day that forces you to relax at home.

Tel Aviv and Hertzliyya are very secular and western areas in Israel where there was more relaxing and playing and less fasting and praying. The clear, quiet roads were the perfect place for families and kids to get out and play in the otherwise forbidden busy streets and highways. The streets were packed all day with kids biking or rollerblading, moms pushing strollers, and runners and walkers enjoying the smog-free air. Sadly, America seems past the point where it would come to a screeching halt in order to spend the day fasting and praying for the forgiveness of their sins. The only way Americans could enjoy such a peaceful, quiet day is if everything shut down for the sake of the environment or clean air. So until then, stay out of the street and don't play on the highway!