Updated 09/25/2012 09:16 PM
Jewish New Yorkers Observing Yom Kippur
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Jews across the world and here in the city are observing the holiest day on their calendar.
Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, began at sundown and runs through dusk Wednesday.
It is observed by fasting, praying and reflection.
Yom Kippur is the end of the 10 "High Holy Days" that began last week with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Many mark Yom Kippur by attending the traditional Kol Nidre service.
Meanwhile, the New York City Fire Department urges Jews observing the holiday to take safety precautions.
The FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit handed out pamphlets in mostly Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, like the Midwood, Williamsburg and Borough Park sections of Brooklyn on Tuesday afternoon.
The pamphlets, printed in English and Yiddish, include guidelines for cooking safely and a reminder to keep a close watch on burning candles.
"If they're going to have their flame lit, at least be home, put it on a heavy-duty base where it can't fall over," said FDNY Lieutenant John Errico. "If they're going to have it on a table, put it on a non-combustible object like a metal plate or a ceramic platter."
Fire officials say more than 33 percent of candle fires occur when candles are left unattended.