Yom Kippur Meaning and Traditions
In 2022, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Tuesday, October 4. Learn about the meaning behind Yom Kippur, as well as the special traditions and recipes related to this holiday.Â
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.
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).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5783 | Sunset October 4Â (to nightfall October 5) |
| 2023 | 5784 | Sunset September 24Â (to nightfall September 25) |
| 2024 | 5785 | Sunset October 11Â (to nightfall October 12) |
| 2025 | 5786 | Sunset October 1Â (to nightfall October 2) |
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?
The articles listed under “More Like This” are shown in no particular order and are selected automatically based on the fact that they’re “holiday” pages. Here’s a link to our Christmas page: Christmas Day
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?
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