Current:Home > reviewsYom Kippur 2023: What to know about the holiest day of the year in Judaism -AssetLink
Yom Kippur 2023: What to know about the holiest day of the year in Judaism
View
Date:2025-04-15 11:32:26
Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, begins this weekend.
The name Yom Kippur translates from Hebrew to English as the Day of Atonement. Jewish people may spend the day fasting, attending synagogue or observing the holiday in other ways. It follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Danielle Kranjec is the associate vice president of Jewish education at Hillel International. She explained what Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur represents in Judaism: “Spiritually, they say on Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, the idea being that everything that's going to happen in the year to come, the stage is set during this time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.”
For those unfamiliar with the holiday, here are some things to know.
What is Yom Kippur and how is it observed?
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is when Jews reflect on sins or wrongdoings from the previous year. Many Jews will attend services at synagogues or other congregations, reciting special prayers and singing special songs.
One of the most common Yom Kippur traditions is to fast for 25 hours, not eating or drinking from the night Yom Kippur begins into the night it ends.
When is Yom Kippur? How long does it last?
Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday, Sept.24, 2023, and ends in the evening on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. It lasts one day, while Rosh Hashanah lasts two days.
What is Rosh Hashanah?:Here's what you need to know about the Jewish New Year
Don't say 'Happy Yom Kippur':How to greet someone observing the Jewish Day of Atonement
What are common traditions during Yom Kippur?
Many Jewish families and communities will gather before Yom Kippur begins and after it ends to share festive meals, to prepare to fast and then to break their fasts together.
Another important observance is the blowing of the shofar, or a curved ram’s horn. The shofar is sounded ceremonially to conclude Yom Kippur, Kranjec shared.
“That is an important communal moment where the closing prayers of Yom Kippur are said together, and someone blows the ram's horn and everyone hears it together, and then the fast is broken together,” she said.
How should you greet people during Yom Kippur?
"G’mar chatima tova” is the customary greeting on Yom Kippur. In English, it means “May you be sealed in the Book of Life.”
According to Jewish tradition, one's fate is decided on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur.
“In English, you might say to friends or colleagues ‘have a meaningful Yom Kippur,’ Kranjec shared. “Focusing on the meaning of the holiday and saying to people ‘have a meaningful fast if you're fasting,’ or you could even say, 'have a good Yom Kippur,' but happy is probably not the right adjective.”
Marina Pitofsky contributed to this reporting
veryGood! (6)
Related
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Mixed Use
- It's cozy gaming season! Video game updates you may have missed, including Stardew Valley
- Wisconsin authorities believe kayaker staged his disappearance and fled to Europe
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- 'Gladiator 2' review: Yes, we are entertained again by outrageous sequel
- Brands Our Editors Are Thankful For in 2024
- Teachers in 3 Massachusetts communities continue strike over pay, paid parental leave
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Nicole Scherzinger receives support from 'The View' hosts after election post controversy
Ranking
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Why California takes weeks to count votes, while states like Florida are faster
- Maryland man wanted after 'extensive collection' of 3D-printed ghost guns found at his home
- Army veteran reunites with his K9 companion, who served with him in Afghanistan
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- The ancient practice of tai chi is more popular than ever. Why?
- Britney Spears Reunites With Son Jayden Federline After His Move to Hawaii
- Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco arrested again in Dominican Republic, according to reports
Recommendation
What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
Auburn surges, while Kansas remains No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll
Fantasy football Week 11: Trade value chart and rest of season rankings
Jennifer Lopez Turns Wicked Premiere Into Family Outing With 16-Year-Old Emme
Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
Britney Spears Reunites With Son Jayden Federline After His Move to Hawaii
Former Disney Star Skai Jackson Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby With Her Boyfriend
Steelers' Mike Tomlin shuts down Jayden Daniels Lamar comparison: 'That's Mr. Jackson'