BROOKLYN - As Jews throughout Brooklyn and around the world approach Yom Kippur this evening with a sense of awe and self-reflection, I wish to send my deepest respect.  On this day, according to ancient tradition, the Jewish people acknowledge and atone for the sins of the past year in the hopes that they will be inscribed by God, their judge, in the Book of Life for the coming year.  In their liturgy, however, Jews recognize that repentance, prayer and charity can mitigate the severity of the sentence.  It is my sincere wish, therefore, that you are indeed inscribed in the Book of Life for a year of happiness and success, and that those who are observing the Holiday have an easy fast.

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