Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement and Date

Yom Kippur is the culmination of the Ten Days of Awe, a period associated with reflection and return. The day is not only an inward spiritual exercise: Jewish teachings and practice place strong emphasis on repairing relationships and seeking forgiveness from other people. That makes the observance both communal and personal, with prayer, confession, ethical reflection, and reconciliation connected rather than treated as separate subjects.

Fasting is widely associated with Yom Kippur, but it should not be presented as a challenge or a one-size-fits-all rule. The fast traditionally runs from before sundown until after nightfall the next day, while children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone whose health could be harmed may have different guidance. People should follow their own community and medical guidance rather than imitate a ritual they are not prepared to observe safely.

Services can include familiar prayers such as Kol Nidre at the beginning and Neilah near the close, when the community gathers for a final service and the sounding of the shofar. Local customs, melodies, language, and the balance between communal and private observance vary. For more detail on the day's practices, see the Yom Kippur traditions guide.