Yom Kippur

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Yom Kippur comes ten days after the beginning of Rosh Hashanah and marks the end of a ten-day period called the “Days of Awe”. It’s the point when Jews believe the judgement which began on Rosh Hashanah is sealed for the coming year. This time is considered by many to be the Jewish people’s holiest day of the year and is regarded as a time to reflect, repair any wrongdoings or peer-to-peer conflicts as well as ask forgiveness from G-d.

When is Yom Kippur?

In 2025, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on October 1st and ends at sunset on October 2nd.

How is Yom Kippur marked?

On Yom Kippur, many Jews fast without eating or drinking for 25 hours and spend a significant amount of time at a synagogue. The day leading into Yom Kippur many focus on preparations without overexertion so they can begin the holiday with a clear mind. Throughout the holiday there are five special services and people spend the day in prayer.

In Israel, over 40% of the Jewish population considers themselves secular, yet out of respect and unity with religiously observant Jews, the country “shuts down”. For example: there is no law forbidding driving on Yom Kippur in Israel, but people simply do not drive.

This is done to the point where people take advantage of the quiet by actually bike riding, walking and even laying down on the highways!

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Will my Jewish colleagues be available over the festival?

For many observant Jews, typical labor is not allowed on this holiday. This often includes travel and use of electronics so some colleagues may be completely offline between sundown on October 1st and sunset on October 2nd.

What greeting can I give my Jewish colleagues?

During Yom Kippur, Jews will traditionally greet each other with G’mar chatimah tovah*, which loosely means “for a good New Year”. They may also wish each other an easy fast.

*The “ch” sound in “chatimah” is a hard guttural sound, like the Scottish “loch” (as in the loch ness monster) not a soft “ch” as in “cheese”. See this youtube video for how to pronounce the “ch” sound.

Where can I learn more?

For more information on Rosh Hashanah, see the links listed below. This time of year is packed with Jewish holidays, with 4 more following Rosh Hashanah!

Wikipedia – Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur: History & Overview

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