The time for atonement draws nearer as the Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Wednesday night. Known as the Day of Atonement in English, Yom Kippur is the most solemn and important of the Jewish holidays. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews the world over traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services. 10/08/08