Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Otherwise known as the Day of Atonement, during which all Jews fast for an entire day (25 hours), it occurs 10 days after Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year). The whole country closes down - no businesses are open, no TV/radio broadcasts, and even the roads are free of traffic, apart from the odd ambulance…and about four million bicycles.

Yes, bicycles. Oh, and rollerblades, and skateboards, and anything else the kids can get their hands on. They are the kings of the road on Yom Kippur, and boy do they scare the bejesus out of me. I won’t tell you how many times I winced as I witnessed head-on crashes and so many near-misses.

Even though most of the Jewish population in Israel is not particularly religious, Yom Kippur is a special day for all and has retained its unique character. My wife loves Yom Kippur and often recounts tales of bike trips from Yom Kippur days many moons ago. Many Jews who would never usually go the synagogue go to prayer services, and many also observe the fast. Me, I don’t. I did try once, but gave up when the pangs took over.

If you are visiting Israel during Yom Kippur, try and experience it - go for a walk along Tel Aviv promenade and even visit a synagogue. Just remember that everything is closed, there is no public transport (not even taxis) and the atmosphere is certainly different than on regular days.

For more pictures of gangs of crazy two-wheeled kids, see our Yom Kippur gallery.