5 Things You Need To Know Today

Five Things: Apples, Atonement

Your guide for life in East Greenwich today, Sept. 26.

Yom Kippur: EG public schools are closed today for Yom Kippur, the Jewish religious holiday of atonement. To see about services in our area, click here. Johnny Appleseed Day: Really. Here’s what Wikipedia says about him: Jonathan Chapman (September 26, 1774 – March 18, 1845), also known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. He became an American legend while still alive, largely because of his kind and generous ways, his great leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance he attributed to apples. Lot of links! But you can celebrate in style – head to Narrow Lane Orchard just over the EG line in North Kingstown (off South …

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Yom Kippur Today – Jewish Calendar's Holiest Day

The holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur calls on followers to fast and atone for sins.

Yom Kippur, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 25, at sundown, is the holiest day of the year in Jewish religion and culture. It is also referred to as the “Day of Atonement,” and the tradition is to solemnly fast for repentance and atonement of sins. Yom Kippur marks the end of the annual High Holy Day period (Sept. 16 to Sept. 26 in 2012), which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Tishrei, a month on the Hebrew calendar, which is nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah. To observe Yom Kippur, one should eat and drink festively the day before – once early in the day and once later, before Kol Nidrei synagogue services. Then, for almost 25 hours, the day is spent in the temple  …

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