Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, is observed annually on the 10th of Tishrei, usually in late September or early October. Marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection, it is a day dedicated to atonement and repentance, observed by Jewish communities worldwide and especially in Israel.

• Observed on the 10th of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar
• Marked by a full day of fasting and prayer
• Considered the holiest day in Judaism
• Concludes with the sounding of the shofar
• Public life in Israel comes to a near halt

What it is

Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred date in the Jewish calendar. It is a solemn day when Jewish people seek forgiveness for their sins and reflect on the past year. The day is spent in deep prayer and introspection, with the aim of reconciling with God and others. Many see it as a time to let go of old grievances and renew their commitment to personal growth and community. The atmosphere is marked by a sense of gravity and hope, as individuals and communities come together to seek a fresh start.

Where it comes from

The origins of Yom Kippur are rooted in the Torah, where it is called Yom HaKippurim, the Day of Atonements. The Torah commands a day of fasting, prayer, and abstaining from work on the tenth day of the seventh month, Tishrei. In ancient times, the day was marked by an elaborate Temple service in Jerusalem, including sacrifices and rituals performed by the High Priest. According to rabbinic tradition, this was also the day Moses descended Mount Sinai with the second set of tablets, announcing forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf. Over centuries, the focus shifted from Temple rituals to communal prayer and personal repentance.

How it is celebrated

On Yom Kippur, Jewish people refrain from eating and drinking for 25 hours, beginning at sunset. The day is spent mostly in synagogue, where special prayer services are held, including extended confessions and readings from the Torah. Traditional observances also include wearing white, avoiding leather shoes, and abstaining from work and physical comforts. The prayers are intense and communal, with moments of silent reflection and collective recitation of ancient poems and confessions. The final service, Ne'ila, is especially moving, as the community comes together for one last plea for forgiveness before the fast ends. The day concludes with the sounding of the shofar, a ram's horn, signaling the close of the holy day.

Joining in

Visitors in Israel or Jewish communities can observe the unique quiet that settles over cities and towns on Yom Kippur, as public life comes to a near standstill. Synagogues welcome worshippers for long, contemplative services, and even those who are not regular attendees often join the prayers. Streets are empty of cars, and a peaceful, reflective mood prevails. Non-Jewish visitors are usually welcome to observe services respectfully, but should be mindful of the solemnity and customs, such as modest dress and refraining from eating or drinking in public.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Yom Kippur, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Yom Kippur on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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