Here at NYJew Local, we’re staying at NYU for Yom Kippur this year. Why do we need to listen to our weird aunt talk about her alternative acrylic-paint-on-tapioca-pudding art work while we’re hungry? We know this is a trying time for any and all NYU fasters out there. Therefore, for any Jews fasting at Washinton Square, or their non-Jewish friends not eating in solidarity, here are some ways to make it through all 25 hours of hungry repentance:

Where Everybody Knows Your Name: If you’re staying on campus for the holiday, don’t be alone! The Bronfman Center, NYU’s Jewish Life Center, is holding services of all denominations in the Kimmel Center. There’s even a breakfast break-fast in the usually-reserved-for-Libertarian-meetings Rosenthal Pavilion. Fulfill your guilty requirement of going to services at least once a semester, have others to commiserate in hunger with, and meet some new people while you do it. Since the holiday is coming up like right now, you should get your free tickets at Ticket Central really soon, and check out the schedule right here.

Films, Not Movies: The best way to get your mind off your stomach is take in some cinema. Plenty of movie theaters in the area are playing some great movies in the afternoon, and this is a great excuse to go see them. We recommend The Master (in 70mm, y’all) at East Village Cinema at 1:30, 2:25, or 4:30, or The Perks of Being a Wallflower at Landmark Sunshine Cinema at 1:00, 2:15, or 3:15.

What’s Black and White and Distracting All Over?: If you said a skunk in a monocle and top hat, you would be wrong. But if you said chess, then you are correct. There are many locations close by for you to demonstrate your intellect and skill upon the vaunted battlefield of chess. Challenge any of the chess guys on the west, or Hayden, side of the park. If you already have a friend to face off against, walk just south of Washington Square Park to the Chess District on Thompson Street. Visit any of the three chess shops, Village Chess Shop, New York City Chess Inc, or Chess Forum, and rent a board for a small nominal fee.

Reflect on Your Life via Laptop: If you’re unfit for social interaction on this particular Day of Repentance, the Internet has got you covered. 10Q is a website geared towards your personal reflections during the Days of Awe in cyberspace. The 10Q listserv sends you a thought-provoking and reflective question to answer. That answer is then stored in an Internet lockbox. Ten days yields ten questions. Don’t worry, you can answer all your questions at once, and you’ll have some time post-Yom Kippur to think about and finish them up. Finally, as the website describes, “Next year, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, your answers will magically appear in your inbox, full of revelations.”

Eat Everything: It is about that time.

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