Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year. Its name means 'Day of Atonement.' That means it is a day for saying sorry for things you did wrong. The holiday happens in the fall, 10 days after Rosh Hashanah. It is a quiet day for thinking and praying.

A Day of Fasting

On Yom Kippur, many grown-ups do not eat or drink for 25 hours. This is called fasting. It helps them focus on prayer instead of food. Kids and people who are sick do not have to fast. Before the fast begins, families eat a big meal together. When the fast ends, they share another happy meal.

Prayers and Forgiveness

People spend much of Yom Kippur at the synagogue. They say special prayers and sing songs from old books. They ask God to forgive their mistakes from the past year. They also try to say sorry to family and friends they may have hurt. Many people wear white clothes to show they want to start fresh.

Fun Facts

• A long blast of the shofar ends Yom Kippur each year.
• Yom Kippur is so important that even people who don't go to synagogue often attend.
• The holiday is sometimes just called the Day of Atonement in English.

Did You Know?

In Israel, the whole country becomes very quiet on Yom Kippur. Cars stop driving, and kids ride bikes on the empty roads.