Jewish families throughout western Connecticut and around the world are marking the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur.

The "day of atonement" began Tuesday at sundown.

Many families will spend today at synagogue fasting and praying.

News 12 spoke to a rabbi who says Yom Kippur is an opportunity to pledge to do better going forward.

“Although it's a holiday on the Jewish calendar, anybody can benefit from an opportunity to take stock,” says Rabbi Greg Wall. “People will call each other and apologize for little things that they might never have taken care of, any unfinished business we have in our relationships.”

The holiday lasts for 25 hours and ends Wednesday night at sundown.