Last update - 00:00 21/09/2007
Israel at standstill for Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar
By Haaretz Service and The Associated Press
Israel came to a virtual standstill at sundown Friday and throughout Saturday as Jews across the country observed Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
Stores closed early Friday, 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.
Traffic in Israeli cities and on major highways was at a near halt. Instead, the streets were filled with cyclists and pedestrians enjoying the annual experience of vehicle-free roads.
Jews across the world fast and pray in synagogues as they seek forgiveness for their actions in the past year. Ahead of the holiday, Jews traditionally ask for forgiveness for any offense they might have committed.
Even though most Israelis aren't Orthodox, most fast on Yom Kippur. The holiday is the only day of the year when all Israeli radio and TV broadcasts go off the air. While business continues as usual in Arab towns, shops and cafes in Jewish cities are closed, planes at the airport are grounded, and all public transportation is suspended.
Fearing Palestinian terrorist attacks, the Israel Defense Forces military imposed a closure on the West Bank on Friday for the duration of the holiday. The closure, which keeps Palestinians from entering Israel, blocked thousands of Palestinians from reaching Jerusalem for Friday prayers during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Scuffles were reported at checkpoints around Jerusalem, but no serious violence.
Yom Kippur will end at sundown Saturday in each synagogue with a blast on the shofar, the traditional Jewish ram's horn.