"If you have never experienced anything, what right do you have to assume that you are alive?"

So Yom Kippur starts tonight. It seems as if this day comes quicker and quicker every year.

For those of you who don't know, Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is the Day of Atonement and you spend the day fasting - no food or water - and praying. It's one of those days that, even if you're not observant generally, you'll observe.

So, the main part of the day is the fasting - it's a 25 hour fast and you're not supposed to put anything past your lips - no food, no water, nada. This is no 40 hour famine where you can eat barley sugar and drink tea and water. This is the real deal.

Then there are the lesser known laws - no washing, no wearing leather or luxury clothing, no jewellery, and no sex. All your attention should be focused on atoning for your sins of the past year and on the holiness of the day. You're not supposed to wear luxury etc because you're trying to show God that you are humble and deserving of forgiveness.

I sometimes wonder if people realise the importance of this day. They turn up to synagogue in their beautiful clothes and make an appearance. Then they go home and forget.

I accept that I'm not the most observant person. Firstly, I can't do the whole no washing thing. I shower. I brush my teeth, but I don't swallow any water etc. I have medication I have to take - that's allowed. And yes, I wear leather shoes - cos even my runners have leather in them. I might swing by Target later and get some canvas runners. But I spend the whole day in synagogue - we live 5 minutes from ours and it's easy to walk there. I don't drive, I don't work - all those things I should be doing during the year, at least I do it now. It's the holiest day in the year.

So, for those out there fasting tonight - I wish you an easy fast and good year.