UNC Students Honor Yom Kippur

A small group of Jewish students gathered Monday night in the Student Union to share their convictions about forgiveness in observance of Yom Kippur.

Jewish leaders from various chapters of N.C. Hillel, which works to create a richer Jewish life on campuses, joined the students in the contemplative discussion.

Jewish students used the study to express their thoughts about forgiveness and hear others' views.

Mike Zarkin, program director of the Triad N.C. Hillel, began the study by reading Psalm 27, which is often read on Yom Kippur, and asking students what they felt it meant.

"There is nothing in it about forgiveness, about loss," Zarkin said. He asked the group what significance the reading held on Yom Kippur, which translates to the Day of Atonement.

The day is a time when followers of the Jewish faith traditionally demonstrate repentance and try to make amends for the sins of the past year.

Traditionally, Jews are not supposed to work, use cosmetics or deodorant, wash, wear leather shoes, engage in sexual relations or eat and drink on Yom Kippur.

The holiday is a 25-hour fast beginning the hour before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur.

Some students said following the restrictions of Yom Kippur at UNC can prove challenging to Jews because it is a regular school day for virtually everyone else on campus.

"Lenoir Dining Hall closes before the fast ends. It's pretty absurd," said David Chapman, a sophomore from Chicago. "Jewish students who paid for a meal don't get to use it."

Some Jewish students also were opposed to attending classes Monday for religious reasons.

Freshman Jon Saks from Rockville, Md., said, "(Not having the day off) keeps people away who want to come to service."

Although some Jewish students disagreed with UNC's policy of having class on Yom Kippur, Chapman said, "The professors are generally accommodating."

Or Mars, executive director of N.C. Hillel: Jewish Life, stressed that UNC was helpful in working with the Jewish community.

"The school was a huge help in allowing us to have this service," Mars said.

"They were very accommodating. (The) Student Union was great, giving us space while our building is under construction."

Mars said the services held Monday night for Jews provided the necessary venue for their spiritual needs.

"It was a wonderful day," he said. "After Yom Kippur, I feel like I walk away refreshed."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.