MAIN Home Life Holidays/Observances Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur in Hebrew means "Day of Atonement," and as the name suggests it is the time of year when practicing Jews the world over make amends for past sins.

Traditionally, the day is spent in prayer and fasting, with Orthodox synagogues offering all day services beginning in the morning, and continuing until about mid-afternoon, followed by evening services which usually continue until nightfall. Wearing white is another Yom Kippur tradition symbolizing the purity of souls who have asked for forgiveness.

Observed by Jews worldwide, the most poignant observance still takes place in Israel where customarily the whole of the country comes to a standstill - as cars and buses are parked for the day, TV broadcasts are quieted, and businesses are closed. Today, the day is also set aside to honor the memory of thousands of fallen Israeli soldiers in the Yom Kippur War.

When is Yom Kippur? In 2010 Yom Kippur is observed on September 18. Officially, it begins at sundown on Friday, September 17 and ends at nightfall on Monday September 20.

More about Yom Kippur on the Web:

Find out more about special services, fasting, candlelight blessings, prayers and customs observed on Yom Kippur in an Internet tour of the Jewish calendar's highest of High Holy Days...

Yom Kippur Central - They named it right - and offering up complete info and audio courses extending from overviews, stories and Torah readings, to the role of the high priest, an in-depth look at Kol Nidre and the ten days of repentance with more on other Jewish holidays and a Test Your Jewish IQ quiz.

Ohr Somayach - Holidays / Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur - More of everything you ever wanted to know in feature stories, lectures, and link categories leading to related info on Laws & Customs, Insights & Rituals, Humor & Poetry, Quizes and more.

Judaism 101: Yom Kippur - With information on fasting and other observances of this solemn day with details on liturgical services, an interactive audio clip of the traditional Kol Nidre prayer, and additional info on Sukkot, the Jewish calendar's most joyous holiday that follows shortly after...

RFCJ Recipe Archive - Traditional meals for breaking the fast the day after, with complete recipes ranging from kugel to honey cakes, together with main and side dishes.

Akhlah: Yom Kippur for Children - Fun, interactive and educational kid stuff on traditions and customs, blessings and prayers, special readings, the five services, a related glossary, craft ideas and more.

Torah Tots - Yom Kippur - More kid-friendly info on special services, garments worn by the high priest, Kapparot and other traditional customs together with related coloring pages, e-cards and interactive games.

also see in Holidays -> Chanukah | Purim | Rosh Hashana

also see in Religion -> Judaism