JERUSALEM - Israel came to a virtual standstill at sundown Friday as Jews across the country began observing Yom Kippur, the holiest day of their calendar.
Stores closed early and the airwaves were filled with liturgical Hebrew music leading up to the contemplative Day of Atonement, when tradition says divine judgment of Jews is sealed and their fate is decided for the coming year.
Jews across the world will fast and pray in synagogues as they seek forgiveness for their actions in the past year. Ahead of the holiday, religious Jews often ask their acquaintances to forgive them for any offense they might have committed.
Even though most Israelis aren't Orthodox, …
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