Yom Kippur: Meaning, Traditions and Jewish Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

It is also called the Day of Atonement.

Jewish people use this day to think about their actions and say sorry for wrongs.

They seek forgiveness from God and from people they may have hurt.

Many people fast for about 25 hours and spend much of the day praying.

Special services include Kol Nidrei and Neilah.

The day traditionally ends with a blast from a ram’s-horn instrument called a shofar.

After the fast, families and communities often share a meal.

Yom Kippur is seen as a time for forgiveness, renewal and making positive changes.