Yom Kippur...the holiest of days...

It's nearly sunset which is the beginning of the holiest 25 hours in Israel, Yom Kippur. It is the day of atonement. A day of prayers, repentance and fasting for the Jewish religion. A time where synagogues are exploding with patrons. A time when driving is not allowed which makes the roads quiet with cars but bustling with walkers, jogger, runners and most of all bikers. All business establishments including airports are closed with the exception of hospitals and police.

Here are some interesting photos.

For my family we will use this time to be together and reflect on our life here in Israel and of course ride our bikes on the roads.
More pictures will be added later.

Update:
Yom Kippur 2012 is over and what an experience. It was a day of atonement, prayers and sacrifice for those who fasted for 25 hours. And for us it gave us a day of togetherness, bike rides, movies and hanging out. Below are some pics. Also note, not only is this happening in our neighborhood, it is happening everywhere in Israel. Yes, Israel is relatively small country but can you imagine if your entire city shuts down for 25 hours? That means no petrol, no groceries, no Starbucks, no cable... I think it will be good for everyone, don't you think? 

The beginning of Yom Kippur. Notice the absence of cars and peeps. 

No cars moving and bikers are starting to come out.. 

It's fun seeing groups of kids just riding together and having their own little adventures.

This guy is having fun!

Off to the main road we go, Hwy 2.

I contained myself from laughing and hollering while making this video as to not get too crazy. Left hand on the handle bar, the other my iPhone (some peeps can get really attached to their smart phones) and some uncertainty with this beach cruiser as it is the first time I'm riding it with this speed. But overall this ride felt like the scene from City of Angels where Meg Ryan's character was riding down this beautiful road with wonderful scenery. The cool air moving thru her hair and you just want to take a deep cleansing breathe and feel that she's happy and in awe of the world that surrounds her. That's how it was minus the truck accident part, of course=). It was a great feeling. And yes, this is the same way we came up, a much slower time on the return. Yippee! Here's a clip from the movie. You CAN find everything online =)

And so is this girl.

And these two boys.

Caution! Kids on bikes. I think I'd rather drive with cars with Israeli drivers (more on that later) than ride bikes with kids on their bikes. Very unpredictable.

 The next day there weren't as many bikers probably because of the heat but also it's the main part of the holy day where most people go to synagogues. You're probably wondering, "wait, no cars? how are people getting to synagogues?" I had the same question. It turns out, synagogues are everywhere. Netanya (city I live in) alone has more than 100! You can easily walk to one.

At sundown, cars started trickling on the road to a full on "back to normal." There was a bit of sadness sort of like the end of a book you really enjoyed reading. But you're super glad you did!

Back to normal