Charleston, South Carolina – Yom Kippur is being observed by Jewish communities around the Lowcountry with increased security precautions in response to a nationwide increase in religious violence.
Rabbi Yossi Refson of the Chabad Centre for Jewish Life in Mount Pleasant stated that heightened vigilance has become part of daily life, but it is more vital now than ever before.
“It is troubling to witness an increase in antisemitism, but we are also seeing an increase in hostility against other faith-based organisations. Churches are being attacked as well. “Faith is under attack all over the world,” Refson remarked.
In recent months, shootings have occurred at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan in September, a Minneapolis mass where children were targeted in August, and the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. Incidents like these have pushed places of worship in the Lowcountry to increase security to unprecedented levels.
Jewish congregations worldwide were already on high alert. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitism hit new highs in 2024, with approximately 10,000 occurrences reported across the United States, representing a 344% increase in the previous five years and an 893% increase in the previous ten years.
According to Refson, remembering Yom Kippur is about finding a means to be faithful in the face of uncertainty.
“The pressure is felt by all. But Yom Kippur is about shining our light,” Refson explained. “What it really means is that the more darkness there is in the world, the more light we use to battle it. So, this year, we need to work even harder and be more introspective to see how we might extract more light from the world.”
Yom Kippur is usually observed with more than 24 hours of fasting from food and water, as well as prayer and reflection, beginning at sunset and lasting until sundown the following day. The festival focusses on atonement, forgiveness, and meditation, allowing people to repent for their mistakes.
Refson stated that since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023, the festival has taken on even greater significance for his community.
“Not only because of what happened on October 7, but also because of how the world responded to what happened on October 7, which disappointed many Jews worldwide. But what we’ve seen is just incredible. Instead of Jews desiring to distance themselves from Jewish institutions or be less linked, it has actually strengthened the Jewish community in a unique way. There are more folks turning out. “This Yom Kippur, there will be more people than ever.”
Refson stated that he wants everyone who attends services to feel confident and comfortable, and he praised police officers for making this possible.
“We’re lucky to live in a wonderful town,” he told me. “Charleston and Mount Pleasant are extremely safe, and we have caring and dedicated law enforcement. Over here, we have the Mount Pleasant Police Department, which constantly goes above and above. They’ll be here all night and day to ensure the safety of the facilities and everyone who enters and goes.”
Chabad’s services are open to the public and will take place throughout the day, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and ending at 6:45 p.m.
