Yom Kippur Meaning and Traditions
In 2023, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Sunday, September 24. Learn about the meaning behind Yom Kippur, as well as the special traditions and recipes related to this holiday.
What Is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew. This is the holiest Jewish holiday of the year and ends the ten days of High Holidays or “Days of Awe,” which begin with Rosh Hashanah.
- Traditionally, Jewish people refrain from work and all adults fast from sundown the evening before Yom Kippur until nightfall the next day.
- This day is about asking God to forgive sins, reflecting on past mistakes accepting repentance, and praying.
- Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse and purify the body and soul.
- Many will wear all-white clothing to also symbolize purity.
- On the day of Yom Kippur itself, there are many traditional prayers. One of the most important prayers describes the atonement ritual performed by high priests during ancient times.
- Yom Kippur ends with a single blast that is blown on the shofar—a trumpet made from a ram’s horn.
Photo by David Cohen 156/Shutterstock.
When Is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is held on the 10th day of Tishrei, ten days after the start of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year).
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Note that the Jewish calendar is different than today’s civil calendar (the Gregorian calendar). It is a “Luni-Solar” calendar, established by the cycles of the Moon and the Sun, so the lengths of days vary by the season, controlled by the times of sunset, nightfall, dawn, and sunrise.
All Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the date listed.
| Year | Hebrew Year | Yom Kippur Begins |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5784 | Sunset September 24 (to nightfall September 25) |
| 2024 | 5785 | Sunset October 11 (to nightfall October 12) |
| 2025 | 5786 | Sunset October 1 (to nightfall October 2) |
| 2026 | 5787 | Sunset September 20 (to nightfall September 21) |
Yom Kippur Traditions
The day before Yom Kippur (and fasting), a special and bountiful meal is enjoyed with a candle lighting at the end of the meal. Many people remember those who passed before them. Some Jewish people also visit cemeteries on this day before Yom Kippur.
Another tradition leading up to Yom Kippur is to perform charitable acts. Many people give money or time to the poorest among them.
After Yom Kippur ends with the shofar, there is much celebration, music, and dancing. A festive “break-the-fast” meal is served with lots of satisfying breakfast foods such as bagels and spreads, kugel, blintzes, and egg dishes. See how to make your own bagels!
If you observe Yom Kippur, please share your traditions below!
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Very informative…in your list of other holidays you mention Hanukkah, Passover, Ramadan, Kwanza but no mention of Christmas—why? It is one of the most important holidays for the Christian. I find it strange you place Ramadan and Kwanza there but no mention of Christmas. Why?
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Thanks for the article. As a Christian my "Day of Atonement" occurred on the day that Jesus Christ was crucified, and the veil of the Temple was torn "from top to bottom" (not bottom to top) to indicate an end to the Jewish sacrificial system. I don't need a high priest to enter a holy of holies to meet and converse with God the Father. The different beliefs between us are strong and I believe the New Testament is a collection proven historically accurate writings...in fact I base my present and future life on it.
I completely agree with you. God bless those that believe Jesus is really the Son of God, not just a prophet.
Why are there 9 candles on the Menorah rather than 7?
The “menorah” is actually the seven-branched candelabrum, described by Moses, found in Exodus 37. It was placed in the The Tabernacle.
Not to be confused with the 9 branched “hanukkiah” which is a traditional lamp stand, part of the celebration of Hanukkah. This is the commemoration of the Jewish people, lead by the Maccabees, taking back the temple from the Seleucid Empire in about 167BC.
Hope this helps.
I’m very far from being an expert (perhaps there are Jewish readers who can correct if I have Mis-remembered?) but I believe this candelabra is called a Chanukiah. There are eight candles (the 9th is for lighting the other 8) because of the miracle of the very small amount of oil that lasted for 8 days in the temple days.
Yes, L Schumann,
You are correct. The added branch (a full branch from one side to the other) on the Chanukiah, or Chanukah menorah, is due to the number of days the oil kept burning, which was 8 and the time for new oil to be consecrated.
I, too, am a Christian who observes the Feasts of the Lord. Thank you so much for your recognition of this time appointed by God!
I enjoyed reading your article on Yom Kippur observed by the Jewish people. I am a Christian and have observed this holy day of Atonement given by God to all his people for the last 55 years. The key point is Leviticus 23 calls them the feasts of the Lord, not just the Jewish feasts. There are 7 annual festivals given by God and my family and I and many others observe them annually. Do a search and you will find many Christians observe them. They are full of deep meaning of our past and future.
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