Yom Kippur makes tradition come alive

As Rabbi Levi Azimov of the Chabad Jewish Center of South Brunswick prepares for his congregation's observance of Yom Kippur, he and his children take part in their own family tradition.

The rabbi blesses his four youngsters. "We wish health and happiness for the children" and for them to grow "to be good people, to help others," he said. It's a practice Azimov's family has followed since he was a child.

Azimov dons the traditional talles (prayer shawl) and Kitel, a white gown worn over his suit, and offers the blessing near a table bearing lit holiday candles. He recites the same blessing used by high priests in the past, he said. The blessing usually is offered the day before Yom Kippur, which begins at

sundown today and continues through about the same time tomorrow.

Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, is the culmination of 10 days of repentance that start with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, and is marked by fasting, attendance at services and prayers for the departed.

Yom Kippur traditions are found throughout the history of Judaism.

Steven Solomon, principal of the East Brunswick Jewish Center religious school, spoke of an old tradition that took place in a location other than a synagogue, the night before Yom Kippur.

Called Kaporot, it involved people taking a chicken and "swinging it over their heads" three times to signify "the dispersing of sins so you could start the new year with a clean slate."

"Today, most people substitute money instead of using the chicken. You tie up the money in a cloth, and you swing that over your head," he said, adding "I never used a chicken. I always used the money. I do it every year."

Solomon said the practice has taken place in both the United States and Europe.

Another Yom Kippur tradition is the wearing of white garments. In the past, leather was avoided during Yom Kippur because it was a sign of luxury during a period when that was de-emphasized.

Rabbi Azimov, 30, said he has given the father's blessing "since I've had children. When I was a kid, my father used to bless me at Yom Kippur. To this very day, I call him in Jerusalem the day before Yom Kippur for his blessing." His father Moshe Azimov, 58, also is a rabbi.

Levi Azimov continues the tradition with his four children: Mendel, 5; Shani, 3; Israel, 2; and Musi, 1.

The blessing asks God" "to watch over" the children, he said. For boys, he refers to the Jewish biblical patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and, for the girls, to Jewish matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.

For him, "it is a moment of nachas, which is pride and pleasure and happiness," he added. His congregation's services will be held at the Ramada Inn, Route 1 south, North Brunswick. The observance begins with Kol Nidrei services at 6:30 tonight. Tomorrow's services are scheduled at 10 a.m., the Yizkor memorial services for the departed are scheduled about 11:45 a.m. and at 5 p.m., and the closing service at 6 p.m. A fast-breaking repast will be provided after the 6 p.m. service.