Shira Weinstein said she will share in a Hebrew prayer for peace and those suffering during Yom Kippur today.

Yom Kippur is the Jewish holiday for reflection and forgiveness.

Weinstein, the program director of the Hillel Jewish Student Center, 402 Linden St., said the disasters in New York and Washington are in her heart during the holiest day of the year.

“It’s been a part of our prayer. We are looking for a brighter tomorrow,” Weinstein said. “Students are optimistic to not let their dream of peace die.”

Weinstein said part of the Jewish community is participating in Yom Kippur, a day of fasting and a day to ask for atonement for sins started at sundown on Wednesday and lasts until sundown Thursday.

During the holiday Jews fast to purify the soul and gather in prayer to reflect on the past year and look to the future with hope. Many members of the Jewish community prayed for peace reflecting on the past year at services held in synagogues across the country Wednesday.

Garrett Sheffer, a biomechanical engineering senior, planned to attend the services held by the Hillel Jewish Student Center at the Alumni Memorial Chapel on campus.

Sheffer said the nation’s tragedy will be among his thoughts.

“Most people in the past have been very focused on the Middle East conflict, and peace has always been an issue,” Sheffer said. “But in light of these tragic events it’s a time to ask for a peaceful outcome. During the day of atonement we can rebuild the damage that has been dealt to us.”

Sheffer said it’s important for people to clear their conscious and absolve their problems.

Yom Kippur is considered one of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar year.

“The Jewish community is looking for forgiveness of all men,” Weinstein said. “It’s a time to look at what is important in life and strive for peace.”

Alford T. Welch, a professor of religious studies, said it’s traditionally a day to seek forgiveness from those you have wronged and from God.

“You’re supposed to start the new year off with a clean slate,”

Welch said the day is a time of reflection - “a more personal holiday.”

Allan Salk, the ritual chairperson at the Kehillat Israel Congregation, 2014 Forest Road in Lansing, said he expects about 150 people to attend services from 9 a.m. until sundown. Following the service is a feast and time for fellowship among the community.

Salk said the service embodies a fixed set of prayers and a time for silent reflection including the prayer for peace.

“It’s a celebration in a ritual sense.”