Yom Kippur: Prayers of Atonement (PAX, 11 a.m.) will show 30 minutes of highlights of the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is the brainchild of Rabbi David Baron of Temple Shalom for the Arts in Los Angeles, its Temple of the Air and the United Jewish Communities, an umbrella organization.

Baron says he wanted to create a means for young, unaffiliated and other Jews, including those who are homebound, in assisted-living facilities or hospitals, the opportunity to observe Yom Kippur.

"For years, I've always had a dream of connecting people," he says. "This is about reaching out to others who can't be there."

The paid program also will feature celebrities including Jason Alexander, Larry King, Mary Hart and Leonard Maltin.

Yom Kippur marks the end of a 10-day period of reflection that begins with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. As part of repentance, Jews traditionally fast from sundown the night before until sundown on Yom Kippur.

The prayers will be in English and Hebrew and will include footage from Jerusalem's Western Wall for the memorial prayer portion of the service, called Yizkor. Also featured will be inspirational readings and poems.

But as much as the service is aimed at reaching Jews by providing a "sanctuary without walls," the broadcast also is intended to give non-Jewish viewers insight about the holiest Jewish holiday.

"This is not just a gateway for Jews to connect. It's a gateway to understanding as well," says Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman of United Jewish Communities.