Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism, observed annually on the 10th of Tishrei. This solemn day calls for approximately 25 hours of fasting, intensive prayer, and repentance. Observers are encouraged to seek forgiveness, reflect on their actions, and engage in charitable giving.
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Expected Yom Kippur Deals
As a solemn religious observance, Yom Kippur is not typically associated with commercial deals or promotions. Instead, the focus is on spiritual reflection, repentance, and charitable giving. Organizations like the Jewish Federations of North America and HIAS often see increased donations during this period, supporting community services and humanitarian aid. Synagogues and Jewish community centers may host special services and opportunities for tzedakah (charity). We encourage individuals to support local Jewish charities and food banks. We will update this page with any community-led initiatives as September 21 approaches.
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Yom Kippur Hero
Moses
History of Yom Kippur
Out of all the holy days in the Jewish faith, Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. Literally meaning “the day of atonement,” Yom Kippur encompasses all the emotions for spiritual ablution — from guilt to mourning to resolve. The holiday takes place on the 10th day of Tishrei — the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar.
According to tradition, Yom Kippur originated from the time of Prophet Moses. After he received the Ten Commandments from God at the top of Mount Sinai, Moses went back to the Israelites. In his absence, they had started worshiping the false idol of a golden calf. In a fit of anger, Moses smashed the commandments, inscribed on stone, and then headed back up the mountain to seek God’s forgiveness and repent for himself and his people. He then returned with a second set of the Ten Commandments and God’s forgiveness.
Yom Kippur marks the end of these 10 Days of Repentance, which begin with the Jewish New Year — Rosh Hashanah. During this time, it is believed that an individual can influence God’s decree for the coming year. The legal code of conduct for life that Jews follow, the Mishnah, portrays God as inscribing names of people in one of three books on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah: one book for recording names of good people, the second book for names of wrongdoers, and the third book for those who are not on either side of the scale.
Jews believe that through extensive acts of prayer, charity, and repentance during the Days of Awe, the book their names are written in can be changed before Yom Kippur. The holiday starts at sunset until sunset the following day. Atonement for sins is achieved through acts of fasting, abstinence from sexual relations, applying lotions, wearing leather shoes, and washing and bathing. Visiting the synagogue is also tradition, although not all Jews observe every aspect of Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur timeline
Moses receives the 10 laws directly from God.
Famous Jewish athlete Sandy Koufax causes a sensation when he refuses to pitch in the first game of the World Series because it coincides with Yom Kippur.
During the Battle of Britain when the Nazis relentlessly bombard London, the city’s synagogues continue with their Yom Kippur services.
In “The Jewish Way,” Rabbi Irving Greenberg explains that the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur focus a person’s mind on themes of mortality and the meaning of life.
Yom Kippur FAQs
When is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur 2026 begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, and concludes at sundown on Monday, September 21. It is a day of profound spiritual reflection and communal prayer.
How many people observe Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is observed by millions of Jewish people worldwide. In the United States, approximately 7.5 million Jewish individuals observe the holiday, with varying degrees of adherence to its customs.
What are the primary observances of Yom Kippur?
The central observances of Yom Kippur include a 25-hour fast, abstaining from food and drink, beginning at sundown on September 20 and ending at nightfall on September 21. Intensive prayer services are held in synagogues, focusing on confession and atonement.
Is Yom Kippur a federal holiday?
No, Yom Kippur is not a federal holiday in the United States, meaning government offices and most businesses remain open. However, many Jewish businesses and institutions close, and Jewish employees often take the day off for observance.
How to Observe Yom Kippur
Attend synagogue
As a period dedicated to looking back on and repenting for one's sins from the previous year, attending synagogue provides the ideal environment to engage in deep prayer.
Donate to charity
Giving of one's time or means doesn't just bring joy to those in need; it feels good to give and it helps us become more compassionate.
Don't work
It's mandated in the book of Leviticus that Yom Kippur is a day of rest. Who doesn't enjoy a day off the clock?
5 Facts About Yom Kippur
The word ‘scapegoat’ is from an ancient Yom Kippur ritual
In Leviticus 16:8 (in the Torah portion Acharei Mot), the High Priest was instructed to lay his hands upon a goat on Yom Kippur and confess the sins of the entire community — the animal was then thrown off a cliff.
Yom Kippur is the most bike-friendly day in Israel
The roads are mostly clear, so bikers of all ages pedal on roads and even major highways.
Eating a big meal before fasting will make it harder
Even though it is a tradition to have a large meal before Yom Kippur, the extra food will not help in extending the fasting period, according to Dr. Tzvi Dwolatzky of Israel’s Rambam Health Care Campus.
A prayer shawl is worn during Yom Kippur’s Kol Nidre services
According to the late Rabbi Louis Jacobs, the prayer shawl or ‘tallit’ is worn during Kol Nidre as “a token of special reverence for the holy day.”
One of the High Holidays
Yom Kippur is the first of the High Holy Days.
Why Yom Kippur is Important
Encourages intense self-reflection
It's easy to forget to set aside time to focus on personal growth, but Yom Kippur ensures that you take the day to committing to developing a better you.
Brings family and friends closer
In considering how our actions affect those closest to us, those bonds are made tighter in the promise of better treatment.
Helps us disconnect
Whether it's work, smartphones, or shopping, it's easy to let what surrounds us consume our every day. It's important to take a step back and take a break from our indulgences every now and then.
Yom Kippur dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 2 | Thursday |
| 2026 | September 21 | Monday |
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