Archive · 21 Sep 2026
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.
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
It is observed on the 10th day of Tishrei, ten days after Rosh Hashanah.
The day focuses on fasting, prayer, repentance, self-reflection and seeking forgiveness.
Traditional observance includes synagogue services such as Kol Nidrei and Neilah, ending with a shofar blast.
The fast generally lasts about 25 hours, followed by a communal or family meal.
- Who
- Jewish people and communities observe Yom Kippur.
- What
- Yom Kippur is a day of fasting, prayer, repentance, self-reflection and seeking forgiveness.
- When
- It occurs on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, ten days after Rosh Hashanah; in 2026, it begins at sunset on September 20 and ends after nightfall on September 21.
- Where
- It is observed in synagogues, homes and Jewish communities; in ancient times, it was observed at the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Why
- It is observed for spiritual reflection, atonement, repentance and reconciliation with God and other people.
- Hebrew meaning
- “Day of Atonement”
- Calendar date
- The 10th day of Tishrei
- 2026 observance
- Sunset September 20 through after nightfall September 21
- Typical fast length
- About 25 hours
- Major services
- Kol Nidrei and Neilah
- Traditional ending
- A blast from the shofar
- After the fast
- Families and communities often gather for a meal