When is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is on Sep 21 – Sep 22, 2026. Here's what it means and how to observe it.
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Sep 21 – Sep 22, 2026
What it is
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year — a 25-hour fast focused on repentance and reconciliation with God.
Origin
Instituted in Leviticus 16 as the day the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies.
How to observe
Fast from sundown to sundown (no food or water). Attend Kol Nidre, Shacharit, Musaf, Mincha, and Neilah services.
Yom Kippur dates 2025–2030
- 2026Sep 21 – Sep 22, 2026
- 2027Oct 11 – Oct 12, 2027
- 2028Sep 30 – Oct 1, 2028
Popular questions about Yom Kippur
When is Yom Kippur 2026?
Yom Kippur 2026 is on Sep 21 – Sep 22, 2026.
Why does the date of Yom Kippur change every year?
Instituted in Leviticus 16 as the day the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies.
How do people observe Yom Kippur?
Fast from sundown to sundown (no food or water). Attend Kol Nidre, Shacharit, Musaf, Mincha, and Neilah services.
Is Yom Kippur a public holiday?
Yom Kippur is a major Jewish observance. Whether it is a public holiday depends on your country — in the US it is not federally recognized as a day off, but many Jewish schools and businesses close.