The Month of Elul and the Days of Awe
Yom Kippur is the culmination of 40 days of prayer, study, reading of psalms, and self reflection beginning with the month of Elul (the month preceding Tishrei) and continuing through the ten Days of Repentance (the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur).
Memorial Candle
It is customary to light a yahrzeit candle in memory of deceased parents the evening before Yom Kippur.
Fasting
The requirement of fasting comes from the commandment in Torah to "practice self-denial" (Lev. 16:29) and from the rebukes of the prophet Isaiah who equates fasting with afflicting one's soul (Isaiah I:8:3):
"Wherefore have we fasted, and Thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge?" Behold, in the day of your fast, ye pursue your business, And exact all your labors.
Wearing leather shoes
Some people abstain from wearing leather shoes on Yom Kippur. In Biblical times it was forbidden to wear leather shoes (sandals) in holy places, just as Moses removed his sandals at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:5).
Tzedakkah
The High Holy Days are a good time for giving tzedakkah and for fulfilling pledges to charitable organizations made during the year.
Break Fast
At the end of the day of Yom Kippur, it is customary to gather with friends and relatives for an informal meal. The custom is based on the passage in Ecclesiastes 9:7: "Go and eat your bread joyfully, drink your wine in good spirit, for the Lord has accepted your efforts."
