The Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Friday with the traditional Kol Nidre service at local congregations.
Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement" and refers to the annual observance of fasting, prayer and repentance. It marks the end of the annual high holy days period beginning with Rosh Hashanah.
Kol Nidre is the name of the opening prayer. In many congregations, the prayer is accompanied by performance of a plaintive melody, often played on a cello.
