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What Is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew. It is the single holiest day of the Jewish year and marks a time for atonement. This somber day of fervent prayer and fasting ends the 10 days of the High Holidays, or “Days of Awe,” which begin with Rosh Hashanah.

If you are Jewish or have a Jewish friend, a common greeting is “G’mar chatimah tovah.” This means, “May you be sealed [in the Book of Life] for a good year ahead.” In Jewish tradition, the Book of Life is written on Rosh HaShanah, and the decree for the New Year is sealed on Yom Kippur.

When Is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is held on the 10th day of Tishrei, ten days after the start of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year).

Note that the Jewish calendar is different from today’s civil calendar (the Gregorian calendar). It is a “Luni-Solar” calendar, established by the cycles of the Moon and the Sun. Thus, the lengths of days vary by season and are controlled by the times of sunset, nightfall, dawn, and sunrise.

All Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the date listed.

Yom Kippur Traditions

On the day before Yom Kippur (and fasting), a special and bountiful meal is enjoyed with a candle lighting at the end. Many people remember those who passed before them. Some Jewish people also visit cemeteries on the day before Yom Kippur.

Another tradition leading up to Yom Kippur is to perform charitable acts. Many people give money or time to the poorest among them.

On Yom Kippur, the focus is on spiritual needs, not physical desires, for at least one day.

• All adult members observe a fast from the evening before Yom Kippur until the following evening. Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse and purify the body and soul.
• On the day of Yom Kippur itself, there are many . One of the most important prayers describes the atonement ritual performed by high priests during ancient times.
• Traditionally, people wear all-white clothing to symbolize purity. They avoid bathing and shaving as well as abstain from having sexual relations during this time.
• One of the greetings for this day is “G’mar chatimah tovah,” “May you be sealed [in the Book of Life] for a good year ahead.”

The Shofar

Yom Kippur ends with a single long blast blown on the shofar—a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. This may be the most unique symbol of this holiday. It’s believed this was an ancestral custom commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai (when the shofar was also blown). 

When the holiday ends, there is music and dancing. A festive “break-the-fast” meal is served with lots of satisfying breakfast foods, such as bagels and spreads, kugel, blintzes, and egg dishes. See how to make your own bagels!

If you observe Yom Kippur, please share your traditions below!