How to Celebrate Yom Kippur
The 10th of Tishrei (September or October), ten days after Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It concludes the Days of Awe with a focus on repentance, prayer, and reconciliation.
The day is devoted to seeking forgiveness, from God for wrongs against the divine, and from other people for wrongs done to them. Tradition holds that sincere repentance, prayer, and acts of kindness can change the course of the year ahead.
How It Is Celebrated
Fasting
Adults observe a full fast of about twenty-five hours, from sundown to nightfall the next day, refraining from food and drink to focus wholly on the spirit.
Kol Nidre
The solemn evening service that opens Yom Kippur takes its name from the Kol Nidre prayer, chanted as the fast begins.
A day of prayer
Much of the day is spent in synagogue in prayer and confession, with services continuing from morning until the closing Neilah service at dusk.
Wearing white and closing with the shofar
Many wear white as a sign of purity, and a single long shofar blast marks the end of the fast.
Traditional Foods
Pre-fast meal
A hearty, unsalted meal called the seudah mafseket is eaten before the fast begins.
Break-fast bagels and lox
The fast is traditionally broken with a light dairy spread of bagels, cream cheese, and smoked salmon.
Noodle kugel
A comforting baked noodle pudding often served at the break-fast table. See the recipe.
Greetings
G'mar Chatimah Tovah
May you be sealed for good, the traditional Yom Kippur greeting.
Tzom Kal
An easy fast, a kind wish before the day of fasting begins.
Have an easy and meaningful fast
The common English greeting, respectful and warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people fast on Yom Kippur?
Fasting on Yom Kippur sets aside physical needs so the day can be devoted entirely to prayer, reflection, and repentance. The fast lasts about twenty-five hours, from sundown to nightfall the following day.
What is Kol Nidre?
Kol Nidre is the solemn prayer chanted at the evening service that opens Yom Kippur. The service itself is often called Kol Nidre after it.
How does Yom Kippur end?
Yom Kippur closes with the Neilah service at dusk and a single long blast of the shofar, after which families gather to break the fast together.
Keep Exploring
Read the full history and traditions in our Yom Kippur holiday guide, browse traditional Jewish recipes, look up terms in the glossary, or see the dates on the Hebrew calendar.