יום כיפור
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a 25-hour period of fasting, prayer, and repentance, concluding the Ten Days of Repentance that began on Rosh Hashanah. Jews seek forgiveness from God and from those they have wronged.
When is Yom Kippur 2026?
Begins at sunset
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Ends at nightfall
Monday, September 21, 2026
Yom Kippur is observed on the 10th of Tishrei, beginning at sundown the evening before and ending after nightfall the following day. The fast lasts approximately 25 hours, with five prayer services throughout the day.
Significance
Yom Kippur is believed to be the day when God seals the fate inscribed on Rosh Hashanah. Through sincere repentance, prayer, and charity, Jews believe they can change a negative decree. The day ends with the Neilah service and a final blast of the shofar.
Yom Kippur Prayers
View the complete collection of prayers and blessings for Yom Kippur in Hebrew and English.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur has five prayer services: Maariv (evening service beginning with Kol Nidre), Shacharit (morning service), Musaf (additional service including the Avodah), Mincha (afternoon service including the Book of Jonah), and Neilah (the closing service unique to Yom Kippur).
Kol Nidre is the opening prayer of Yom Kippur, recited at the evening service just before sunset. It annuls unfulfilled vows made to God during the coming year. The haunting melody of Kol Nidre is one of the most recognizable in Jewish liturgy.
On Yom Kippur, five activities are forbidden: eating and drinking, washing for pleasure, applying lotions or oils, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. These restrictions help focus the day entirely on spiritual matters and repentance.
Neilah ('closing') is the final prayer service of Yom Kippur, recited as the day ends and the 'gates of heaven' are about to close. It is the most intense and emotional service, ending with the congregation declaring 'Shema Yisrael' and a long shofar blast.
About Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur (יום כיפור) is one of the important holidays in the Jewish calendar. This page provides the dates for Yom Kippur 2026 and information about its meaning and observance.
Looking for prayers? Am Hazak provides the complete text for Yom Kippur prayers in Hebrew with English translations. Visit our Yom Kippur prayers page for blessings and liturgy.