Reconcile your actions, seek forgiveness, embrace peace, honor tradition through reflection, prayer and ATONEMENT. 🕯️
YOM KIPPUR, or the Day of Atonements (יוֹם כִּפּוּר / Yom HaKippurim), is the holiest day in the Jewish faith, tracing ancient biblical times. It traditionally falls on the 10th day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish calendar. It’s always 10 days after Rosh HaShanah (רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה / head of the year), the Jewish New Year.
Since the Jewish calendar is lunar-based, YOM KIPPUR usually occurs in September or early October in our Gregorian calendar. The observance is deeply rooted in the Torah, particularly in the Book of Leviticus (Leviticus 16:29-34), which outlines the rituals and commandments for this sacred day.
Rabbis teach when the shofar is blown on Rosh HaShanah, three books in heaven are opened: one for the righteous, one for the semi-righteous, and one for the wicked. The goal is to repent and strive to have your name written among the righteous.
Observant Jews use the Ten Days of Teshuvah (“repentance”) between Rosh HaShanah and YOM KIPPUR to try and tip the scales in their favor.
Its formal Hebrew name is Yom HaKippurim and is first described in Leviticus, where God instructs Moses about the day of atonement. It’s a day for the Kohen Gadol (high priest) to perform specific rituals to atone for the sins of the people of Israel.
The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies (קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים / the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant resided) to make an offering to cleanse the nation’s sins. One of the prominent rituals involved two goats: one was sacrificed, and the other “scapegoat” was sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the people’s sins.
During the time of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, YOM KIPPUR was a major event. This was the only day of the year when the high priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies which was critical to maintaining the spiritual well-being of the entire community. He could enter the windowless square enclosure of four pillars to burn incense and sprinkle sacrificial animal blood.
When the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 AD, many of the priestly rituals associated with YOM KIPPUR could no longer be performed. In response, Rabbinic Judaism reinterpreted the observance of YOM KIPPUR. Instead of relying on sacrifices, the focus shifted to personal atonement through prayer, fasting, and repentance.
This transformation ensured that YOM KIPPUR could continue to be observed in the absence of the Temple, focusing on self-reflection, confession, and reconciliation with both God and fellow man.
The Talmud (תַּלְמוּד), which means “teaching” and is the primary source of Jewish religious law, elaborates on the themes of YOM KIPPUR, emphasizing it as a time for Teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה / repentance) and Kapparah (כפרות / atonement).
Teshuvah means “return” in Hebrew and refers to repenting and seeking forgiveness for wrongs committed against God and others. The rabbis taught that YOM KIPPUR offers the opportunity for Jews to repent for their sins and seek forgiveness directly from God for wrongs committed against Him and others.
But so-called interpersonal sins – those committed against another person – must be forgiven by the person wronged before seeking divine forgiveness. The Talmud also formalized the structure of the YOM KIPPUR liturgy, which includes the Vidui and the Kol Nidre.
YOM KIPPUR’s observance today includes fasting for 25 hours, refraining from work, and attending synagogue services. The prayers are structured around biblical themes such as the Kabbalistic five levels of the soul including Ma’ariv (evening prayer), Shacharis (morning prayer), Musaf (additional prayer), and Mincha (afternoon prayer) … diving inwards, unpacking that uncorrupted, deepest level of the soul until your essence stands alone with the spirit of the Lord.
Other prayers include the recitation of the Vidui (a public confession of sins), Al Chet (forgiveness for sins), and the Ne’ilah (the closing prayer) which marks the final chance to seek atonement before the Book of Life (ספר החיים / Sefer HaChaimis) is sealed for the coming year.
On this day, YHVH decides what the coming year will hold for everyone. God records this judgment in the Book of Life, which is the final attestation of His righteousness and salvation. To be inscribed in the Book, it’s not enough to pray and be forgiven by the Lord. You also must also make amends with others and seek their forgiveness. The Book of Life is written on Rosh HaShanah and sealed on YOM KIPPUR.
Another significant part of the day is the Kol Nidre, a declaration recited at the very beginning of YOM KIPPUR. This prayer annuls all personal vows made to God that we were unable to fulfill, facilitating reconciliation and renewal.
A shofar is an ancient musical instrument made usually from a ram’s horn. Tekiah is a long, single blast; Shevarim, three short blasts; Teruah, nine rapid staccato-like blasts; and Tekiah Gedolah, a single blast held as long as possible. This is when the heavens are closed, the gates are locked, and the book is shut.
The Bible calls the time “a memorial of blowing of trumpets” (Leviticus 23:24). When Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, God instructed seven priests to carry a shofar as they surrounded the city. Then they blew a long blast and the walls came tumbling down (Joshua 6:2–5). The Rabbis call this time Rosh HaShanah (“head of the year”).
The shofar’s blasts are a divine call to return to God and seek forgiveness. The sound is meant to awaken the soul. Despite its somber tone evoking awe, reverence, and anticipation, the shofar also carries a message of hope and renewal.
When Jews hear the shofar, they know it’s a call to their people, be it prayer, safety, or war. In June 1967, Rabbi Shlomo Goren blew the shofar atop the Temple Mount after Israeli paratroopers reunited Jerusalem, signaling the end of 19 years of exile from Judaism’s holiest site and calling the Jewish people home.
Today, Jews around the world observe YOM KIPPUR, regardless of their level of religious observance. Even many secular Jews recognize the day as one of introspection, fasting, and attending at least some part of the synagogue services. Perhaps its enduring significance lies in universal themes of forgiveness, repentance, and spiritual renewal, which transcend time and culture.
YOM KIPPUR’s origins are found in ancient Israelite practices, and though the destruction of the Temple transformed its observance, the core theme of atonement has remained central. Through centuries of tradition, it’s evolved into a deeply personal and communal day focused on reflection, reconciliation, and spiritual growth.
Not sure how to LOVE the observance? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some traditional & personal ways you can observe during YOM KIPPUR!
Fasting from both food and drink for 25 hours is a central part of the YOM KIPPUR observance. This symbolizes physical and spiritual purification and focuses the mind on reflection and prayer.
Attend synagogue services or pray at home. Many synagogues hold special services throughout the day. Most do spend most of YOM KIPPUR at the synagogue, participating in services such as Kol Nidre (the opening prayer), the recitation of the Vidui (confession of sins), and Ne’ilah (the closing service). The prayers focus on repentance, forgiveness, and renewal.
Spend time in quiet contemplation. Reflect on past actions, mistakes, and areas for improvement. Consider your actions over the past year, seek forgiveness for your mistakes from others, and commit to personal growth for the coming year. During the Amidah (the central prayer), there’s a period of silent prayer for personal reflection and introspection.
Teshuva is the Hebrew word for repentance. It involves acknowledging your wrongdoings and committing to change – saying “you’re sorry” and “never doing it again”.
Before YOM KIPPUR, it’s customary to ask forgiveness from anyone you may have wronged. It’s also a time to forgive others, ensuring that interpersonal relationships are repaired.
Acts of charity are important during YOM KIPPUR amending for your mistakes. Giving to those in need reflects the day’s theme of repairing the world and taking responsibility for the community.
Observing a “Sabbath of Sabbaths” requires many Jews not to eat & drink but to also refrain from work, applying lotions or makeup, marital relations, using electronics, washing or bathing, or wearing leather shoes. This helps create an atmosphere of solemnity, humility, equality, and spiritual focus.
Some people wear white clothing to symbolize purity and the desire for spiritual cleansing anew. Even outside the synagogue, YOM KIPPUR can be a day of quiet reflection. Journaling, meditating, or spending time in nature are personal ways to connect additionally.
In the modern era, this is the Hebrew word for “repairing the world”. It involves a broader Jewish commitment working to make the world a better place through acts of kindness and compassion. In Jewish teachings, this is any action that helps improve the world and bring it closer to the harmony it was meant to have. Tikkun olam implies that while the world is innately good, “Jews bear responsibility not only for their own moral, spiritual, and material welfare but also for the welfare of society at large”.
During YOM KIPPUR services, there’s a memorial prayer called Hazkarat Neshamot (or shortened to Yizkor) for those who have lost loved ones. It offers a chance to remember and honor them during this reflective time.
The shofar is blown after the Neilah prayer at the end of YOM KIPPUR, symbolizing the conclusion of the Day of Judgment. The final shofar blast is called “Tekiah Gedolah” marking closure at the end of the fast. It’s a symbol of spiritual renewal, sealing God’s judgments in the Book of Life, and the promise of a sweet year!
At the end of YOM KIPPUR, a communal or family meal is enjoyed to break the fast. It’s usually a light meal, marking the transition from solemn reflection back to regular life and the daily grind … infusing every aspect of life with the Divine.
Use social media posts with the hashtags #YomKippur, #Atonement, #Forgiveness, #FaithHolidays, #SeptemberHolidays, #OctoberHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ YOM KIPPUR.
Legendary Jewish comedian and actor. Groucho was part of the Marx Brothers, known for his quick wit and unique comedic style. Born 1890.
GROUCH MARX Quote
“Politics doesn’t make strange bedfellows – marriage does.”
Canadian Jewish singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist, best known for iconic songs like “Hallelujah” and his deep, contemplative lyrics. Born 1934.
LEONARD COHEN Quote
“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
American actor and comedian, best known for his dry wit and unique comedic style in films like Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and Lost in Translation. Murray was actually born on Yom Kippur (Hebrew Year 5711) in 1950.
BILL MURRAY Quote
“Don’t think about your errors or failures; otherwise, you’ll never do a thing.”
| Year | Date | Hebrew Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 11-12 | 5785 |
| 2025 | October 1-2 | 5786 |
| 2026 | September 20-21 | 5787 |
| 2027 | October 10-11 | 5788 |
| 2028 | September 29-30 | 5789 |
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