What is Yom Kippur? What you need to know about Judaism's holiest day of the year

5 Oct 2022

Yom Kippur is part of the Jewish high holy days, but you shouldn't tell someone "Happy Yom Kippur." Here's what you need to know about the somber commemoration.

Yom Kippur is a part of the Jewish high holy day, but you shouldn’t tell someone "Happy Yom Kippur." Here are some facts about this solemn commemoration.

WASHINGTON — Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar and also one of the most somber commemorations of the year.

It marks the end of "Days of Awe," which is a 10-day period that began on Rosh Hashanah (the main High Holy Day that celebrates the Jewish New Year).

Yom Kippur, which in English means "Day of Atonement", focuses on repentance for past wrongs and asking forgiveness.

Adult Jews who observe the holiday will typically fast for approximately 25 hours (beginning at sundown on the night before). Jewish teachings state that Yom Kippur is not for those who are at risk of their health.

The Jewish calendar is primarily based on the moon, while the Gregorian calendar focuses mainly on the sun. This is why holidays can sometimes feel "late" or "early in the U.S. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and other Jewish holidays are observed on the same days according to the Jewish calendar.

Yom Kippur officially ends after the last blowing of the ram's hoof, or shofar, during Neilah. This is the closing service. People will traditionally gather for a breakfast meal after Yom Kippur ends.

When does Yom Kippur begin?

It will begin at sundown on Tuesday Oct. 4, 2022.

What time does Yom Kippur expire in 2022?

Yom Kippur officially ends on Wednesday, October 5. Your location will determine the exact timing.

Is Yom Kippur considered a federal holiday?

Yom Kippur in the United States is not a federal holiday.

What would you say to Yom Kippur-eligible people?

Yom Kippur, a solemn holiday, is not something you should tell anyone.

You could instead tell someone to "have a fast easy." Some people have taken to wishing people a "meaningful fast". This acknowledges that Yom Kippur fasting is not always an easy task.

Another traditional greeting is "G’mar chatimatova" (pronounced "gih-MAR-chah-tee'MAH toeVAH"), which basically means "May your name be inscribed in The Book of Life for good." According to Jewish tradition, one's fate is determined on Rosh Hashanah and sealed by Yom Kippur.