Everything to Know About Yom Kippur, the Holiest Day in Judaism

From when it takes place to how it’s celebrated, here’s what to know about Yom Kippur 2022

Meaning “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew, Yom Kippur is recognized as the holiest day in Judaism.

It marks the tenth and final day of the High Holidays, also known as “Days of Awe.” Rosh Hashanah kicked off the 10-day long period on Sept. 25 this year.

Yom Kippur is celebrated annually on the 10th of Tishri, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Depending on the year, it usually falls in either September or October.

Repentance and atonement for one’s sins are at the core of the holiday, while the days are typically filled with fasting and prayer. No work is done on this day since the majority of time is generally spent in the synagogue.

Yom Kippur’s purpose? It’s a day for Jewish people to seek purification from their sins against God while asking those they’ve wronged for forgiveness.

Between the day it falls this year and how the holiday is celebrated, here’s everything to know about Yom Kippur 2022.

What is Yom Kippur?

A yahrzeit candle, or memorial candle (Heb. 'ner neshama', 'soul candle'), lit in memory of the deceased person at the anniversary date of his passing (Hebrew calendar and day beginning at sundown in accordance with Genesis 1:5: "And there was evening and there was morning, one day.") Also lit the days when 'Yizkor' is said - before the sundown of day when it is said (Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, final day of Pesach, Shavuot). Also during the shiva. The custom of lighting a yahrzeit candle comes from the Book of Proverbs 20:27 by King Shlomo "The soul of man is a candle of the Lord." — GETTY

Yom Kippur is the holiest Jewish holiday of the year. In English, it means “Day of Atonement.” The holiday centers around repenting personal sins to God in preparation for the upcoming year.

The holiday derives from the Jewish belief that Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the second set of tablets of the Ten Commandments. His descent took place on the tenth day of Tishri, 40 days after the Israelites committed sin.

They disobeyed God by worshipping a golden calf, rather than praying to him. Upon Moses’ arrival, he forgave them for their sins.

When is Yom Kippur celebrated?

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 12: Members of an Orthodox Jewish community study the Torah in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Yom Kippur, one of the most important holidays of the Jewish year on October 12, 2016 in New York City. Also known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur includes a sundown to sundown fast where worshippers can't use electronics or work. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) — SPENCER PLATT/GETTY

On the Hebrew calendar, the 10th of Tishri marks Yom Kippur year after year, but the date differs annually for the secular (or Gregorian) calendar. This year, the holiday begins on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at sunset.

Who celebrates Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur series; a siddur and tallit (prayer book and prayer shawl). — GETTY

Since Yom Kippur is a Jewish holiday, those who practice Judaism celebrate the holy day.

How is Yom Kippur observed?

NORTH MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: Rabbi Guido Cohen blows into a shofar as he leads a drive-in Yom Kippur service put on by Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center at the Dezerland Park on September 28, 2020 in North Miami, Florida. Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. It is when Jews fast and reflect on the year past and the year to come. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) — FILE: JOE RAEDLE/GETTY

Yom Kippur primarily centers around atonement and repentance. While the majority of the day involves prayer, a larger portion of the observation includes fasting.

Jewish people have to refrain from eating or drinking for 25 hours of the holiday, per the American Jewish Committee. “It is also traditional to refrain from other earthly pleasures, such as bathing and wearing leather shoes, something seen as a luxury in ancient times,” the AJC also notes.

In addition to prayer and fasting, there are other traditions that are practiced, including wearing white, “symbolizing purity and renewal as Jews repent for their past sins.”

The holiday may be a solemn one, but it’s certainly not sad. After a day of repentance, sins are forgiven and the slate is wiped clean for the year ahead. To signify the end of Yom Kippur, the shofar is blown in celebration.

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