Yom Kippur
Day of Atonement
What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement" and refers to the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer, and repentance. Part of the High Holidays, which also includes Rosh HaShanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
Yom Kippur is the moment in Jewish time when we dedicate our mind, body, and soul to reconciliation with our fellow human beings, ourselves, and God. As the New Year begins, we commit to self-reflection and inner change. As both seekers and givers of pardon, we turn first to those whom we have wronged, acknowledging our sins and the pain we have caused them. We are also commanded to forgive, to be willing to let go of any resentment we feel towards those who have committed offenses against us. Only then can we turn to God and ask for forgiveness. As we read in the Yom Kippur liturgy, “And for all these, God of forgiveness, forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement.”
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How to Prepare to Fast on Yom Kippur
Experienced fasters agree that hydrating as much as possible before a fast is vitally important. If you can, start to drink extra water at least two days before the fast begins.
Find Services
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Attend Virtual High Holiday Services
Many congregations offer virtual High Holiday services and programs for non-members.
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A Parent's Must-Have Guide to Handling the High Holidays
The High Holidays bring a special kind of panic upon Jewish families. Here's your guide to helping them go more smoothly.
Kol Nidrei
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Sounds of Kol Nidrei
The melody that stirs the heart of Ashkenazic Jews is of unknown origin, but is part of a body of music known as "MiSinai melodies" that emerged in Germany between the 11th and 15th centuries.
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Chocolate Outs Jews on Yom Kippur
Crypto-Jews living in Mexico in the 17th century, under the surveillance of the Inquisition, developed sticky subterfuges to avoid being outed for their undercover Jewish practices, including those that related to chocolate drinking.
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Relating to Yom Kippur
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Jewish Questions
- At what age do Jews start to participate in a fast on Yom Kippur? What if they are sick and not well enough to fast?
- Can I Get Married between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur?
- Does one wear a tallit to services the night of Yom Kippur (Kol Nidrei)?
- I plan to attend Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services this year for the first time. Will I be expected to donate money during the service, like in a church service? If so, what’s the "right” amount?
- Is Yom Kippur like confession?
- What Are Yom Kippur Yizkor Prayers?
- What Greetings are Appropriate on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur?
Ways to Prepare
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Yom Kippur Videos
Learn about Tashlich, blow the shofar and more high holiday traditions with these videos.
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Yom Kippur Social Action Guide
Ideas for incorporating social action themes into your Yom Kippur observance.
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How to Ready Your Young Child for Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur and toddlers don’t seem to go together very well. On the most solemn day of the calendar, it can be difficult to figure out what to do with a young child who isn’t ready to sit in services all day.
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What's New
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Creating High Holiday Memories for Children
Finding ways to make the High Holidays meaningful for your child is an important way to nurture their Jewish identity. There are many ways to celebrate at home, like reading books, making crafts, or discussing what the holiday means to you and them.
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You’re Invited to Remember
Growing up, I saw Yizkor as a mysterious event on Yom Kippur afternoon. The grownups would return to temple in the afternoon, while my sister and I stayed home. There was no explanation, just an understanding that this was a thing our parents and grandparents did, and we did not.
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Making Yom Kippur Meaningful for Young Children
There are a myriad of ways to make Yom Kippur meaningful for young children for whom it is not an easy holiday to understand.