Yom Kippur is the one religious occasion which is observed almost entirely in the synagogue, yet the meal which precedes this fast (Erev Yom Kippur) is intended to be a spiritual experience for the entire family. This meal is eaten early so that the family can be in the synagogue before sundown.

Candlelighting
                No kiddush is recited. Following the Birkat ha-Mazon (Grace after Meals), holiday candles are lit and the following blessings recited:
                Baruch Atah Adonai, Elohaynu Melech Ha-olam, asher kid-shanu b'mitz-votav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik neyr shel Yom Ha-Kippurim.
                Blessed are Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us by Thy commandments and has commanded us to kindle the Yom Kippur lights.
                Baruch Atah Adonai, Elohaynu Melech Ha-olam, Shehe'cheyanu, vekiyemanu, vehigiyanu lazeman hazeh.
                Blessed are Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has kept us in life, preserved us, and enabled us to reach this season.

Meditation:
May the light of these candles help inspire us to love You with all our hearts. May their warmth and glow radiate kindness, harmony, and joy among the members of my family; may love and devotion bind us closer to one another and to You.                Amen
(or)
Compassionate Creator of all life, embrace my life and my family's life with Your lovingkindness. May my children walk in Your ways, loyal to the Torah and adorned with good deeds. Bless our home and our family with peace and light and joy.                Amen

Blessing the Children
                It is a beautiful tradition that before leaving for the synagogue for Kol Nidre, the parent blesses his/her children by placing his hands on their hands or hugging each one. Such blessings are introduced by the following prayer, to which the parents may add words of their own, appropriate to the age and needs of each child:
                For sons:              May God give you the blessings of Ephraim and Menasseh.
                For daughters:  May God give you the blessings of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.
                For Both:             May God bless you and keep you. May God show you favor and be gracious to you. May God's presence by with you and give you peace.

Yahrzeit candles (Memorial Lamp)
                On Erev Yom Kippur, it is customary to light a memorial lamp for deceased family members. The memorial lamps must be lit before the holiday candles are lit. Yahrzeit candles are available at our gift shop and in supermarkets in the Kosher food section. Although no beracha (blessing) is required, you might wish to recite the following meditation:
                O God, I pray that you will keep the soul of my dear _________ united with us in the bond of life. In his/her memory, guide me so that I will live righteously, fulfilling Your will and serving our people. May his/her soul rest in peace and be remembered as a blessing.
                The light should be kept in a visible place, like the kitchen counter (put a fireproof plate under it, so nothing will burn.)

Forgiveness
                At this time, too, members of the family ask each other for forgiveness for the wrongs or the hurts they have done, knowingly or unknowingly, during the year.

Fasting
                Although children are not obliged to fast until they are 13, it is a fine tradition that the fast be observed in part in earlier years.
                Jewish law and tradition consider the maintenance of life and health as a prime religious duty. Therefore, when a person is ill or weak, a physician should be consulted about fasting. Self-denial in food and other physical pleasure is part of the tradition of Yom Kippur. Refraining from meals as well as work helps in the self-discipline of heart and mind, and prepares us to face our Creator in prayer and repentance, seeking his forgiveness and His blessings for life and health in the New Year.

Other Prohibitions:
                Eating, drinking, bathing for pleasure (swimming, jacuzzi), anointing (perfuming, etc.), marital sex, and wearing leather shoes are the six additional extraordinary prohibitions. The regular Shabbat and holiday laws prohibiting lighting fire, spending money, writing, etc., are in force as well.