Yom Kippur Prayer Guide: Day of Atonement Services

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It occurs on the 10th of Tishrei, concluding the Ten Days of Repentance. On this day, we fast for approximately 25 hours, abstaining from food, drink, leather shoes, bathing, and marital relations. We spend the day in prayer, seeking forgiveness from God and others.

Kol Nidrei ('All Vows') is recited at the start of Yom Kippur, just before sunset. It is not technically a prayer but a legal formula annulling vows we may make in the coming year. The haunting melody has become one of the most recognizable in Jewish liturgy. The Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and held during the recitation. Kol Nidrei is repeated three times.

Yom Kippur has five prayer services, more than any other day: 1) Maariv/Kol Nidrei - evening service beginning the fast. 2) Shacharit - morning service with Torah reading about the Temple service. 3) Musaf - includes detailed description of Temple Yom Kippur service. 4) Mincha - includes reading from the book of Jonah. 5) Neilah - the 'closing' service as the heavenly gates close at sunset.

The Vidui (confession) is central to Yom Kippur. We confess our sins in two main forms: 'Ashamnu' - an alphabetical acrostic of sins, and 'Al Chet' - a longer list. We beat our chest lightly with each sin mentioned. The confession is in plural ('we have sinned') because we take collective responsibility. Vidui is recited ten times during the day's services.

Neilah, meaning 'closing,' is the final service unique to Yom Kippur. It takes place as the sun sets and the 'gates of heaven' are about to close. The ark remains open throughout. The intensity builds as we make our final pleas. The service concludes with a single long blast of the shofar, followed by 'L'shanah haba'ah b'Yerushalayim!' (Next year in Jerusalem!).

The fast ends after nightfall when three stars are visible, following the final shofar blast. Many have a light meal prepared in advance. It's customary to begin building the sukkah immediately after Yom Kippur, transitioning from atonement to joy. The greeting after Yom Kippur is 'G'mar chatimah tovah' (May your inscription be sealed for good) or simply 'Good Yom Tov.'