On Yom Kippur, the day when Jews across the world unite in atonement and forgiveness, Chabad of Fountain Hills will hold a Yizkor memorial service during the Yom Kippur prayers. Recited by community members who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, spouse or child, the Yizkor prayer gives space to remember deceased loved ones communally on a day that emphasizes communal unity and personal growth.

Rabbi Mendy Lipskier will lead Yizkor at the Chabad Edelman Jewish Center, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains, at 12 noon on Monday, Sept. 25, which is Yom Kippur morning. Services for the day begin at 9:30 a.m. All community members who wish to attend Yizkor are welcome to join the community in remembering their loved ones.

On the evening of Sunday, Sept. 24 and Monday, Sept. 25 until nightfall, on the 10th day after Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is the day when G d forgives all of the Jewish people’s sins, both as individuals and as a community, a press release said. By the same token, Jews around the world will spend the day in prayer - atoning for their sins, thanking G d for his forgiveness and focusing on self-improvement for the year to come.

Because of the day’s importance, Jews focus on prayer so much that they do not eat, drink or work, the release said. Yizkor adds to the day’s solemnity and brings community members together as they begin a new year.

For decades, Chabad-Lubavitch - an international Jewish organization that believes Jewish traditions and customs are a birthright of every Jew and that every Jew should have access to them - has made High Holiday services available free of charge, a model that other synagogues and organizations around the world are now looking at to replicate.

The Yizkor service is one of many Chabad holiday programs that give Jews the opportunity to perform Jewish holiday rituals and remember their ancestors, the release said.

“Yizkor is one of the most powerful moments of Yom Kippur,” Rabbi Lipskier said. “The memorial service allows community members to make space for lost loved ones on this important day, and to remember those family members as a new year begins.”

“Yizkor allows me to connect not just with my family, but also with family members who are no longer with us,” retired Judge Robert Donfeld said. “Yizkor puts Yom Kippur in perspective: As we move forward in our lives, it allows us to look back and understand where we came from.”

To reserve a seat for Yizkor or any part of Yom Kippur services, visit JewishFountainHills.com or call 480-795-6292.