Yom Kippur
Today is the Jewish Day of Atonement and considered the religion’s most important holiday.
Today is the Jewish Day of Atonement and considered the religion’s most important holiday.
Nathaniel Glanzman
Reviewer URLDate: October 4-5
Pronunciation: yaam kuh-POOR
Today is the Jewish Day of Atonement and considered the religion’s most important holiday.
Origin
According to tradition, God decides each person’s fate on Yom Kippur. During Yom Kippur, Jewish people typically make amends and ask forgiveness for any sins of the past year. Yom Kippur, along with Rosh Hashanah, is considered one of the High Holy Days in Judaism.
When it is observed
Yom Kippur occurs 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, in the month of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar. It typically falls in either September or October. This year, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Tuesday, October 4 and ends the following day, Wednesday, October 5 at sundown.
Traditions
Generally, families gather for a feast prior to the initial sundown on Yom Kippur and then fast for 25 hours to cleanse the body and spirit. They will also attend religious services on Yom Kippur. After fasting, friends and family might gather together to break the fast with a meal of foods easily prepared, including bagels, smoked salmon and salads. Some people may wear white to symbolize purity.
What to say
Yom Kippur is a somber, reflective holiday, so it’s appropriate to say, “Have an easy fast.”