What you need to know about Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur 2023 began Sunday night at sundown and spans until sunset on Monday.
Here’s what you need to know about Judaism’s holiest day:
What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is a major Jewish holiday that’s also known as the “Day of Atonement.” It celebrates God’s forgiveness, while also pushing observers to reflect on and make amends for all they’ve done wrong.
“Yom Kippur is the moment in Jewish time when we dedicate our mind, body and soul to reconciliation with our fellow human beings, ourselves and God,” according to the Union for Reform Judaism.
Yom Kippur is both somber and joyous, Chabad.org reports.
“It is suffused with an undercurrent of joy; it is the joy of being immersed in the spirituality of the day and expresses confidence that (God) will accept our repentance, forgive our sins and seal our verdict for a year of life, health and happiness,” Chabad.org explains.
Related
Can you eat on Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is typically observed by fasting for around 24 hours, from the sunset that marks the beginning of the holiday to the sunset that marks its end.
“More observant members (of the Jewish community) go beyond fasting and will also abstain from bathing, wearing leather shoes, indulging in perfumes or lotions and marital relations,” according to CNN.
During the fast, Jews generally attend worship services at their synagogue, which are focused on the themes of atonement and forgiveness.
How is Yom Kippur celebrated?
After fasting, praying and worshipping, Jews observing Yom Kippur will typically gather to break the fast together at sundown.
“In North America, the typical break fast cuisine stems from Jewish deli fare: Bagels, lox, schmears and all the fixings. And don’t forget the coffee cake or Jewish apple cake for dessert,” CNN reports.
What is the greeting for Yom Kippur?
Because Yom Kippur is a relatively solemn holiday, it is not recommended to wish someone a “Happy Yom Kippur,” according to Time magazine.
Instead, the customary greeting should be “Have an easy fast” or “Have a good holy day.”
When is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, like other Jewish holidays, changes dates from year to year because its timing is based on the Hebrew calendar.
This year, Yom Kippur began at sunset on Sunday, Sept. 24, and ends at sunset on Monday.
Next year, it will begin the evening of Friday, Oct. 11, according to Chabad.org.
