WESTPORT — Yom Kippur, considered the most solemn of the Jewish high holy days, starts at sundown Wednesday.

The Day of Atonement is traditionally a time for reflection and prayer, refraining from everyday pursuits and fasting.

Yet food is the focus of Temple Israel’s Yom Kippur food drive to benefit the Gillespie Center’s food pantry, operated by Homes with Hope.

Organized by the synagogue’s Social Action Committee, food donations can be dropped off this week at Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Road:

• Tuesday, 9-11 a.m., 2-4 p.m.

• Wednesday, 10 a.m.-noon

• During all Kol Nidrei and Yom Kippur services at the temple

• Friday, 10 a.m.-noon

For a list of foods sought for the collection, click here.

Monetary donations can also be made to support the food drive.  All donations to Temple Israel’s Tzedakah Fund through Yom Kippur will be designated to benefit Homes with Hope, according to organizers. Click here.