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.
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.
The solemn evening service that opens Yom Kippur takes its name from the Kol Nidre prayer, chanted as the fast begins.
Much of the day is spent in synagogue in prayer and confession, with services continuing from morning until the closing Neilah service at dusk.
Many wear white as a sign of purity, and a single long shofar blast marks the end of the fast.
A hearty, unsalted meal called the seudah mafseket is eaten before the fast begins.
The fast is traditionally broken with a light dairy spread of bagels, cream cheese, and smoked salmon.
A comforting baked noodle pudding often served at the break-fast table. See the recipe.
May you be sealed for good, the traditional Yom Kippur greeting.
An easy fast, a kind wish before the day of fasting begins.
The common English greeting, respectful and warm.
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.
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.
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.
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.