The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-10-09
Dncsof City Registrar. October 8, 1867.
St-s- GEORGE 8. PELZER, NJ. D.. City RI


TIE DAY OF AToNEarKNT.--"Y YoM KIPPUR -
Yesterday evening commenced this the most
solemn of all the Jewish festivals. 1t is at ore
q festival and fast. The 9th day of Tishrl tine
eve of Yom Nppur), is not kept as fast, as the
other penitential days are by many strict Jews.
On the contrary, it is enjoined not to abstain on it
from the usual comforts of life. AS soon rs the
afternoon meal is over, and grace said, nobody 10
permitted to take any further nourishment, or to
indulge in any OF those comforts exciting pleas
urable sensations; for this is the Interpretation
given to he command, "Ye shall afflct your souls
Ley. xvi. S1); every one now hastens to the syna-
eoeue, the interior of which presents solemn
and imposing aspect. There the worshippers
stand in awe and reverence, wrapt in silent med-
tation-their feet, according to Eastern fashion,
without the usual covering Of boots or shoes, but
protected by elt-slppers-enveloped in their
scarfs: the married men dressed in snow-white
flowing robes, and caps to correspond, whilst nu-
merous wax-candles shed hickering light
throughout the building These are as many in
number az there are heads of families, eacn send
ing one candle to the synagogue. At last the sig
nal for prayer is given by the rabbi, ana the MN
ister begins to chant in a low, scarcely auoioie
tone formula which is r7.eated three times'
during which the plaintiye, tremulous, heart-s'if
ring tune gradually rises to higher ptch s"ss 10
be distinctly heard over the whole building Ihe
service lasts to q late hour in the evening. Many
of the worshippers, however, do not leave the sy'
nagogue at ALL but spend there the whole night
IN prayer, meditation, and 1dy the Law. The
morning service b gins at daybreak, and extends
over the day, durirg which time many of the reli-
eious do not leave their seats fc: one moment
and some stand the whole time. The prayers are
divided according to the sacrifices brought to thc
temple, into the morning, additional, and after.
poon service, to which, towards the evening;
mother, termed Neilah (ciosing), is added This
1ortion of the service is remarkable for the ardoI
nth which the faithful pour forth these concud-
;2g prayers before the throne OF mercy. 1t scoms
+baS atthe reflection that the gates of heaven
+bro,,qh which the prayers ascend, are now beiie
.,os,d ,sae fame of devotion breaks forth with re
.--od vioGr. Vanished has aTery l1aco Of Ian
enor and faintness consequent .4pon lasting an(
confinement to crowded place, the ali o' wmci
i. "a tainted by the exbalations OF 90 many indlvl
Ndnsls and the burning OF so many candles and q
,s recital of that portion OF the service where tn
nifty of God is acknowledged, the ediice lie
o,hoas with the thrilling burst oi hundreds o
voices proclaiming the Lord, lie is God repeate'
sav.n times and bearing, i'll their deep emotion
Tho stamp that they proceed from souls powerful
is'nrsssed o with the presence OF the Supreme Be
- and ouaihng beneath the reflection, that ou
r. E,r his marcy there would be no hope for them
IL NIGHT ar last having brought the service TO
1 s,ose' the worshippers hasten home TO break thel
sst sfter which friendly visits are paid, and mu
,.I ;noujries exchanged respecting each other
ssltb after the trials of the day
i The foregoing account is from 'Jewish Lhts
..sl Enropen-in CHAMBERS Papers for tn