Yom Kippur 2025: What to Know About the Jewish Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and ends after nightfall on Thursday, October 2. The day is dedicated to repentance, reflection, and prayer as Jews seek forgiveness for sins committed over the past year.

Known as a time of deep spiritual renewal, Yom Kippur comes at the end of the High Holy Days. These ten days of reflection start with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and conclude with this solemn day of fasting and prayer.

The Meaning and History of Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, meaning “Day of Atonement,” is rooted in Jewish tradition and scripture. According to the Torah, it is a sacred day when people atone for sins and ask God for forgiveness. Jewish teaching says that on Rosh Hashanah the year’s destiny is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed.

Historically, the High Priest of ancient Israel would enter the Holy of Holies in the Temple only on Yom Kippur to pray for the nation. After the Second Temple’s destruction in 70 A.D., the rituals transitioned into synagogue services and personal reflection. Many Jews consider this day a final chance to repent before God’s judgment for the coming year is finalized.

How Yom Kippur Is Observed

The day before Yom Kippur, families eat two festive meals and light candles before sunset. Beginning just before sundown, observant Jews fast from food and water for about 26 hours. Adults also refrain from work, bathing, applying lotions, wearing leather shoes, and sexual activity. Children and those with health conditions may be exempt, as Jewish law prioritizes health and safety.

Throughout the holiday, five prayer services take place in synagogues, including Kol Nidre on the eve of Yom Kippur and Ne’ilah, the closing prayer, before the fast ends. Worshippers recite prayers from a special book called the machzor. The day concludes with the sounding of the shofar, a ram’s horn, symbolizing spiritual renewal and hope for the year ahead.

Breaking the Fast and Moving Forward

When Yom Kippur ends at nightfall, families and communities break the fast with simple, comforting foods. Bagels, smoked fish, eggs, honey cake, and blintzes are common. Many people experience a sense of cleansing and spiritual reset after the long day of prayer and fasting.

Yom Kippur remains a time of deep reflection, forgiveness, and spiritual growth for Jewish communities around the world. Even those who may not observe other religious traditions often take part in this day, underscoring its significance as the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Yom Kippur?

It is the Jewish Day of Atonement, focused on prayer, fasting, and repentance. It marks the end of the High Holy Days.

Q2: How long does Yom Kippur last?

About 26 hours, from sunset on October 1 to nightfall on October 2, 2025.

Q3: Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur?

Fasting symbolizes humility and repentance. It is meant to help people focus on spiritual renewal and forgiveness.

Q4: What greetings are appropriate for Yom Kippur?

Say “have a meaningful Yom Kippur,” “wishing you an easy fast,” or in Hebrew, “G’mar Chatima Tova” (may you be sealed for a good year).

Q5: What happens after Yom Kippur ends?

The fast is broken with a festive meal. Communities celebrate with joy and hope for the new year ahead.