Every Jew is required to immerse in a mikvah on the day before Yom Kippur in respect for the sanctity of the day and so as to repent and be purified of sin. This practice dates back to the time of the Prophets. According to the Geonim, the immersion should be preceded by a blessing, but it is not our custom to do so.
It is customary to light a 25-hour memorial candle in the synagogue. This candle is called "The Candle of Life". If one's parents are not living one lights an additional 25-hour memorial candle in one's home. This candle is called "The Candle of the Soul".
When the Festival candles are lit, two blessings are recited: L'Hadlik Ner Shel Yom ha-Kippurim, and She-hecheyanu.
Before entering the synagogue, it is customary for fathers to bless their children. Although there is no required formula for this blessing, it is customary for fathers to say:
May G-d make you like Efrayim and Menashe [for a son]; or, May G-d make you like Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah [for a daughter].
May it be the will of our Father in Heaven to place into your heart love and fear of Him. May the fear of G-d be upon you always so that you never sin. May your yearnings be for Torah and mitzvot. May your eyes see straight ahead, may your mouth speak wisdom, and may your heart feel awe.
May your hands engage in mitzvot, your feet run to fulfill the will of your Father in Heaven. May He grant you sons and daughters who are righteous, who will be engaged in Torah and mitzvot throughout their lives.
May your livelihood be blessed and may your sustenance be earned in a permitted manner, with ease and bounty from His generous hand, rather than from the gifts of flesh and blood; sustenance that will leave you free for the service of G-d. May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and long life among all the righteous of Israel, Amen!
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