Yom Kippur — 27 September

What is Yom Kippur?

Otherwise known as the “Day of Atonement,” Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in Judaism. The holiday lasts approximately 25 hours, and is typically observed with fasting and prayer in alignment with the themes of atonement and repentance. On Yom Kippur, people observing the holiday are asked to fast from food and drink (as well as abstaining from bathing and marital relations). In turn, it is encouraged that people spend the day asking God’s forgiveness for their sins and donating to charity.

When is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur concludes the ten-day period in the month of Tishrei (typically occurring between September and October) known as the High Holy Days, or “Days of Awe,” which begins with the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah. In 2020 Yom Kippur will begin in the evening of September 27 and ends the evening of September 28.