Date and Traditions of the Jewish Day of Atonement
In 2024, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Friday, October 11. Learn about the meaning behind Yom Kippur and the special traditions and recipes related to this holiday.
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.
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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.
| Year | Hebrew Year | Yom Kippur Begins |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5785 | Sunset October 11 (to nightfall October 12) |
| 2025 | 5786 | Sunset October 1 (to nightfall October 2) |
| 2026 | 5787 | Sunset September 20 (to nightfall September 21) |
| 2027 | 5788 | Sunset October 10 (to nightfall October 11) |
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 traditional prayers. 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).
Photo by David Cohen 156/Shutterstock.
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!
Catherine Boeckmann
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In my own way , I celebrate the b'fast with friendship and meal ; Is that part of Yom Kipur ?
"God" is "God" no matter what faith or lack thereof. Please be respectful of others. This lack of respect is what's tearing the world apart right now. Don't be the problem, be the cure! Blessings to all!
Very informative…in your list of other holidays you mention Hanukkah, Passover, Ramadan, Kwanza but no mention of Christmas—why? It is one of the most important holidays for the Christian. I find it strange you place Ramadan and Kwanza there but no mention of Christmas. Why?
The articles listed under “More Like This” are shown in no particular order and are selected automatically based on the fact that they’re “holiday” pages. Here’s a link to our Christmas page: Christmas Day
I, too, am a Christian who observes the Feasts of the Lord. Thank you so much for your recognition of this time appointed by God!
I enjoyed reading your article on Yom Kippur observed by the Jewish people. I am a Christian and have observed this holy day of Atonement given by God to all his people for the last 55 years. The key point is Leviticus 23 calls them the feasts of the Lord, not just the Jewish feasts. There are 7 annual festivals given by God and my family and I and many others observe them annually. Do a search and you will find many Christians observe them. They are full of deep meaning of our past and future.
Indeed. Christ observed all of the Lord's holidays. Modern Christians obey a religion created by sun worshippers in Rome, and do not observe the Torah/ teaching of Christ at all.
Thank you for all that your publication provides. This helps to heal the gap between Judaism and Christianity. Your works preserve the historical context of the role of the preservation of the knowledge of the continuity and intertwining of the solar and lunar cycles.
The traditional greeting for Yom Kippur is "Gmar hatima tova". The English equivalent is "May you be sealed in the book of life".
An important concept of atonement in Judaism is that on Yom Kippur we spend the day atoning for sins against G-d and asking for forgiveness and to be written in the Book of Life for the year. However, for sins or just wrongs one has committed against another individual, we must specifically ask that individual for forgiveness as G-d cannot grant that for us.
During the Days of Awe, we are tasked with asking our friends and loved ones to forgive us for any sins we have committed against them whether intentionally or non-intentionally. It is a humbling experience and a way to enter the New Ear truly cleansed.
