WASHINGTON — Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar and also one of the most somber commemorations of the year. 

It signifies the conclusion of the “Days of Awe,” a 10-day period commencing with Rosh Hashanah, which is the other major High Holy Day celebrating the Jewish New Year.

Yom Kippur translates to “Day of Atonement” in English and centers on repentance and seeking forgiveness for any wrongs committed in the previous year.

During the holiday, Jewish adults who observe it typically fast for approximately 25 hours, beginning at sundown the previous evening. Nonetheless, Jewish teachings clarify that anyone who might experience health risks due to fasting is excused and should consume food and drink water on Yom Kippur.

While the Gregorian calendar is solar-based, the Jewish calendar relies heavily on the moon, which explains why the holidays might appear “late” or “early” in the U.S. context. However, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur consistently occur on the same days within the Jewish calendar.

Yom Kippur officially concludes after the last sounding of a ram’s horn, or shofar, during Neilah, the closing service. Traditionally, people come together for a break-fast meal following the end of Yom Kippur.

This year, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. 

Yom Kippur officially ends at nightfall on Thursday, Oct. 2. The exact timing will depend on your location.  

Yom Kippur is a somber holiday, so you shouldn’t tell someone “Happy Yom Kippur.” 

It’s customary to wish someone an “easy fast.” Recently, some have opted to wish others a “meaningful fast,” acknowledging that fasting on Yom Kippur is not necessarily intended to be effortless.

Another traditional greeting is “G’mar chatima tova” (pronounced gih-MAR chah-tee-MAH toe-VAH), which basically means “May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for good.” In Jewish tradition it is believed one’s fate is decided on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur.

No, Yom Kippur is not a federal holiday in the United States.