Yom Kippur begins at sundown Wednesday, with observant Jews fasting and seeking forgiveness for their sins, with law enforcement being on their customary heightened alert against possible threats to the Jewish community. Stream Los Angeles News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. Yom Kippur concludes at sundown Thursday, ending the 10-day period on the Jewish calendar known as Days of Teshuvah, which is variously translated as repentance, return and change, and the Days of Awe. Many Jews fast on Yom Kippur and spend much of the time in synagogues. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it, too, is taking “proactive steps to maintain heightened awareness and preparedness” in coordination with Jewish community leaders and public safety partners.