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Shaun Doria, a third-year neuroscience student, observed Yom Kippur with friends and family. The

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As dusk peaked through the curtains of the Grand Horizon Ballroom in Covel Commons on Oct. 2, Yom Kippur observers endured the remaining moments of their 25-hour fast. Standing together, the energy in the room was high as the rhythmic clapping and chanting of prayers and confessions echoed off the walls.

Roughly 30 miles away, Shaun Doria, a third-year neuroscience student, participated in a similar Yom Kippur service as he traveled closer to home to observe what is commonly known as the most spiritual day in the Jewish calendar.

Though Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, lasts just over 24 hours, the day is traditionally filled with prayers, the renunciation of sins, and the practice of self-denial as observers abstain from eating, drinking, engaging in sexual activities, bathing, and wearing shoes.

“It’s (the) one day a year all Jews are directed to leave the world behind,” said Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, director and rabbi for UCLA Hillel. “In order to appreciate (the) blessings of the world ... sometimes you step outside of the world.”

Since he chose to become more observant of his religion’s traditions in the last 10 months, Doria said this Yom Kippur had an even bigger impact on the refinement of his soul and the year to come.

“I feel a sense of renewal afterwards ... a fresh start,” Doria said.

While fasting for 25 consecutive hours may seem daunting to some students, Doria said it is not difficult for him.

Like Doria, Maxwell Kaizer, a fourth-year art history student, fasts with ease.

“I’m a champion faster – it usually never bothers me,” Kaizer said, though he admitted that it does become aggravating toward the end.

Just like preparing for an important exam or a football game, the days leading up to Yom Kippur involve preparation, both on a physical and mental level.

From special prayers to eating a hearty meal before the fast begins, the holiday can be “nerve-racking,” Doria said.

“It’s the last chance to ask for forgiveness for the past year,” he said.

Chanting standardized confessions and asking for forgiveness for sins committed during the year provides observers the opportunity for a fresh start.

“It allows you to enter the world with renewed spiritual vigor,” Seidler-Feller said.

Just as millions around the world make New Years resolutions, Yom Kippur observers such as Doria participate in a similar activity, as they reflect on how they want to change in the coming year.

Because Yom Kippur usually falls on the start of the academic school year – a time when most students begin to finalize their schedules and delve into schoolwork and extracurricular activities – the holiday can cut time away from these obligations.

Though Doria did not miss class, he said the holiday had a minor affect on his non-academic activities.

Still, Doria has no complaints.

“It helps you get started in the school year to keep a clear mind,” he said.

Upon becoming more observant of traditional Jewish practices, Doria had to make several changes to his lifestyle – he now keeps more strictly to Jewish dietary laws; he observes Shabbat, a day of rest on Saturday when observant Jews use no electricity and conduct no work; and he chose to leave the UCLA marching band.

A trumpet player and avid football fan, Doria embraces his choice.

“I appreciate the Shabbat a little bit more than being able to go to football games,” he said.

Seidler-Feller has witnessed this phenomena of an increasing growth toward returning to traditional observance in the past decade.

“It’s a notable trend, (though) it’s not widespread,” Seidler-Feller said.

Breaking the fast first with water, apples and raisins, Doria joined his parents in Moorpark for a light meal and said he already feels a sense of renewal and focus for the start of the year.

“I’ve gone through the wash-cycle,” he said.