Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur History

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement, Hebrew: יום כיפור) is the last day to atone our sins of the Ten Days of Repentance, which start on the New Year (Rosh Hashanah). This is a fast mentioned in the Bible and the punishment mentioned for not keeping this fast is excommunication.

Jews seek to 'purify their souls' on this day, by abstaining from common pleasures. Yom Kippur is celebrated by most all Jewish denominations. It is a fast day from the eve until the next day nightfall (twenty five hours). No food or drink is permissible. It is a day on which Jews 'afflict the soul', which includes wearing only non-leather shoes, not combing one's hair and no marital relations.

For many Orthodox Jews, most of Yom Kippur is spent in prayer in the Synagogue. Five prayer services are held (as opposed to the normal three daily prayers). Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance begins at sundown on the day before.

Top 10 Facts for Yom Kippur in 2026

• Yom Kippur 2026 centers on the themes of atonement, repentance, and the spiritual 'sealing' of one’s fate in the Book of Life for the coming year.
• The observance is characterized by a 25-hour period of intense reflection, during which many participants aim to 'act like angels' by setting aside physical needs to focus entirely on spiritual growth.
• The day acts as the solemn culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance, a period of introspection that begins with Rosh Hashanah and encourages individuals to seek forgiveness from both God and fellow human beings.
• It is traditional for observers to refrain from eating and drinking for roughly 25 hours, along with abstaining from other physical pleasures such as bathing, using perfumes or lotions, and wearing leather shoes.
• The holiday begins with the Kol Nidre service, a powerful and ancient prayer that serves as the official opening of the Day of Atonement.
• In Jewish tradition, while Yom Kippur provides atonement for sins committed against God, it is taught that one must first seek personal reconciliation and forgiveness from anyone they may have wronged during the year.
• Many people choose to wear white clothing throughout the day as a symbol of purity, renewal, and the intention to begin the new year with a 'clean slate.'
• The day is frequently referred to as the 'Sabbath of Sabbaths,' reflecting its status as the holiest and most significant day on the Jewish calendar.
• Beyond fasting and prayer, the day is deeply communal, with congregants often participating in multiple synagogue services, including the Yizkor memorial prayer to honor departed loved ones.
• The conclusion of the fast is often marked by a sense of joy and relief, frequently celebrated with a communal 'break-the-fast' meal shared with family and friends.

In the News and Trending in the US for Yom Kippur

Top things to do in the US for Yom Kippur

• Attend or watch a Yom Kippur service. You can watch a Yom Kippur service on Youtube.
• Learn about the Yom Kippur war. You can watch a documentary on the Yom Kippur war on YouTube.
• Read the book of Jonah which is often read on Yom Kippur. A Jazz rendition can be viewed on YouTube.
• Yom Kippur is a solemn day of introspection and atonement, so activities carried out on this day usually have a serious and respectful tone.
• Many Jewish communities organize communal meals to break the Yom Kippur fast, known as break-fast. These meals are typically dairy-based and include foods like bagels, lox, and blintzes.