Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement

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The Torah calls it 'Shabbat Shabbaton'—the Sabbath of Sabbaths. It's the day when, according to tradition, God seals the judgments begun on Rosh Hashanah.

The day is devoted to teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity)—the three things said to 'avert the severe decree.'

Adults fast for approximately 25 hours, from before sunset on Yom Kippur eve until after nightfall the following day. The fast includes no food or drink, not even water.

Additional restrictions include no wearing leather shoes, no bathing for pleasure, no anointing with oils, and no marital relations. Many wear white, symbolizing purity.

Those who are ill, pregnant, nursing, or for whom fasting poses a health risk are not only permitted but required to eat. Preserving life takes precedence over fasting.

Yom Kippur services are the longest of the year, including Kol Nidre (the haunting evening service), Shacharit, Musaf, Mincha, and Neilah (the closing service).

The Vidui (confession) is recited multiple times, listing sins communally in alphabetical order. The focus is on sincere repentance and genuine resolve to improve.

Yom Kippur atones for sins against God, but for wrongs committed against other people, one must seek forgiveness directly from those harmed before the holiday.

FAQ

When is Yom Kippur 2026?

Yom Kippur 2026 begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur?

Fasting serves multiple purposes: it focuses the mind on spiritual matters, demonstrates seriousness about repentance, afflicts the soul as commanded in the Torah, and frees us from physical concerns to concentrate on prayer.

What is Kol Nidre?

Kol Nidre is the opening prayer of Yom Kippur, chanted before sunset. It annuls vows made between humans and God, allowing people to approach the day unburdened by unfulfilled promises. Its haunting melody is one of Judaism's most famous.

Can you work on Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur has the same work restrictions as Shabbat—no melacha (creative work) is permitted. It's one of only two days (along with Shabbat) when work is biblically forbidden.

What do you say to someone on Yom Kippur?

Before Yom Kippur: 'G'mar chatimah tovah' (May you be sealed for a good year) or 'Have an easy fast.' After the fast: 'Good yontif' or simply 'Good year.'