Yom Kippur is part of the Jewish High Holy Days, but you shouldn’t say “Happy Yom Kippur” to someone. Here’s what you need to know about somber commemoration.
WASHINGTON — Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, but also one of the darkest holidays of the year.
It marks the end of the “Day of Awe,” a 10-day period that begins on Rosh Hashanah, another major Great Holy Day which celebrates the Jewish New Year.
Yom Kippur, translated from English, means “Day of Atonement” and is dedicated to repentance and asking for forgiveness for wrongs that may have been committed during the past year.
Jewish adults observing the holiday will usually fast for about 25 hours (starting at sundown the night before). however, Jewish teaching explains that anyone whose health may be endangered by the fast is exempt from it and must continue to eat and drink water on Yom Kippur.
The Jewish calendar is primarily based on the Moon, while the Gregorian calendar is based on the Sun, so it can appear that holidays are sometimes “late” or “early” in the US. However, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are always celebrated on the same day. days according to the Jewish calendar.
Yom Kippur officially ends after the final blowing of the ram’s horn, or shofar, during Neila, which is the final service. Traditionally, after the end of Yom Kippur, people gather for breakfast.
When does Yom Kippur begin?
This year it begins at sunset on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
What time does Yom Kippur end in 2022?
The holiday of Yom Kippur officially ends at nightfall on Wednesday, October 5. The exact time will depend on your location.
Is Yom Kippur a federal holiday?
No, Yom Kippur is not a federal holiday in the United States.
What do you say to someone on Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is a dark holiday, so don’t say “Happy Yom Kippur” to anyone.
Instead, you can tell someone to “take it easy.” Some have recently started wishing people a “significant fast”. It recognizes that fasting on Yom Kippur does not necessarily have to be an easy task.
Another traditional greeting is “G’mar chatima tova” (pronounced gih-MAR chah-tee-MAH toe-VAH), which basically means “May you be forever written in the Book of Life.” In Jewish tradition, fate is believed to be decided on Rosh Hashanah and determined on Yom Kippur.
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