The most sacred day of the Jewish calendar has arrived, inviting Jews into a profound day of fasting, heartfelt prayer, and sincere repentance.
Yom Kippur is the day-long fast that comes a week after Rosh Hashanah. These special dates are part of the High Holy Days in the Jewish calendar.
The High Holidays are a time for reflection and repentance. Yom Kippur is when practicing Jews reflect on their sins from the previous year, seek forgiveness and make amends.
Here's when Yom Kippur 2026 is and how it's observed.
When is Yom Kippur 2026?
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, marks the end of the 10 days of repentance that start with Rosh Hashanah. It will take place from sunset on Sept. 20 to nightfall on Sept. 21.
What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, marks the end
of the 10 days of repentance which start with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is a significant occasion for Jews to reflect on their mistakes and misdeeds from the past year, ask for forgiveness, and consider ways to grow in the year ahead. This day is observed with fasting, and many participate in services at synagogues or other places of worship, where they pray and sing together.
The day before Yom Kippur, families gather to eat two festive meals. Traditionally, a honey cake may be requested and received, children are blessed, and holiday candles are lit before sundown.
During Yom Kippur, no work may be done "until the stars come out in the evening of the next day," according to Chabad.org.
For almost 26 hours, observant teens and healthy Jewish adults cleanse their bodies and souls by abstaining from:
- Eating or drinking (except for the sick, elderly or women who have just given birth),
- Wearing leather shoes,
- Applying lotions or creams,
- Washing or bathing, and
- Engaging in sexual activity.
On Yom Kippur, Jewish people gather in the synagogue and hold five distinct prayer services as rabbis read from a special prayer book known as the machzor. The day is devoted to introspection, prayer and asking for forgiveness.
Yom Kippur is the most sacred day of the year in Judaism, and even those who may not ordinarily observe other traditions often observe it.
How to greet someone on Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is a time for serious contemplation of the soul and one's actions, so a cheerful "happy Yom Kippur" isn't appropriate. Instead, try saying "have a good holy day," "have a good fast," "wishing you a good final sealing," "have a meaningful Yom Kippur," or "have a good year."
Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: When is Yom Kippur? How to celebrate the holiday in 2026
