Yom Kippur: The Meaning of Judaism’s Holiest Day

As the sun sets on October 1, Jewish communities around the world will begin the observance of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Considered the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is a time for fasting, prayer, and deep reflection. It concludes the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and serves as a solemn opportunity to seek forgiveness and start anew.

When Yom Kippur Takes Place

Unlike holidays fixed to the Gregorian calendar, Jewish observances follow the Hebrew calendar, which is lunar-based. That means the dates shift from year to year. In 2025, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 1, and lasts until nightfall on Thursday, October 2. Next year, it will arrive earlier, beginning at sunset on September 20.

This variation highlights one of the unique aspects of Jewish timekeeping: days are measured from evening to evening rather than from midnight to midnight. The fast and restrictions of Yom Kippur end only “when the stars come out in the evening,” as traditional sources note.

The Meaning of Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur concludes the High Holy Days, also known as the Days of Awe, a ten-day period of introspection and repentance that starts with Rosh Hashanah. These days are believed to be a time when God opens the Book of Life and judges humanity for the year ahead.

During Yom Kippur, Jews reflect on their misdeeds and mistakes of the previous year. The holiday provides an opportunity to seek forgiveness from both God and other people, to repent, and to commit to making better choices in the future. The day is intended to be spiritually cleansing, offering the faithful a fresh start for the coming year.

The Traditions of Fasting and Rest

The observance of Yom Kippur is marked by a 25-hour fast, one of the most widely practiced aspects of the holiday. From sunset to the following evening, healthy adults abstain from eating and drinking. In addition, Jewish tradition calls for avoiding:

• Wearing leather shoes

• Applying lotions or creams

• Washing or bathing

• Engaging in sexual activity

These restrictions are not meant as punishment but rather as ways of focusing on spiritual growth rather than physical comfort. The idea is to purify both body and soul, devoting the day entirely to prayer and reflection. Exceptions are made for those who are ill, elderly, or otherwise unable to fast safely.

Rituals and Prayers

The day before Yom Kippur is spent in preparation. Families gather for two festive meals, children are blessed, and candles are lit before sundown. Some communities bake honey cakes or other symbolic foods to mark the occasion.

On Yom Kippur itself, work is forbidden, and observant Jews typically spend much of the day in synagogue. Five distinct services are held, more than on any other day of the Jewish year. These include the famous Kol Nidre service on the eve of Yom Kippur and the Ne’ilah service at its conclusion. Prayers are read from a special prayer book known as the machzor, and the liturgy emphasizes repentance, forgiveness, and renewal.

The repeated confessional prayers, known as Vidui, are recited collectively, underscoring the communal aspect of atonement. Even those who may not observe other Jewish traditions during the year often participate in Yom Kippur services, reflecting the holiday’s importance across the spectrum of Jewish practice.

Greetings and Customs

Because Yom Kippur is such a solemn day, greetings differ from those offered during other Jewish holidays. Instead of saying “Happy Yom Kippur,” which would feel out of place, appropriate wishes include:

• “Have a meaningful Yom Kippur”

• “Have an easy fast”

• “Wishing you a good holy day”

• “May you be sealed in the Book of Life”

These phrases reflect the seriousness of the day while offering support and kindness.

Why Yom Kippur Matters

At its core, Yom Kippur is about more than fasting or ritual; it is about transformation. The holiday invites people to take stock of their lives, acknowledge where they have fallen short, and commit to repairing relationships. It is both deeply personal and profoundly communal, bringing Jewish communities together in prayer and reflection.

For many, the hours of fasting and prayer are difficult, but the spiritual renewal that comes at the end of Yom Kippur is often described as uplifting. As the final shofar blast sounds to close the holiday, worshippers are reminded that even in the face of human imperfection, there is always the chance to begin again.

Did you find this information useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline to share with your friends.