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Unfortunately, nothing could ever give Yom Kippur the justice it deserves except the experience of the highest of the Jewish holy days.

In 2025, Yom Kippur begins begins at sundown on October 1 and lasts until nightfall of October 2. On the Jewish calendar it is the 10th day of Tishrei, which is at the end of September/beginning of October.

What is יוֹם כִּפּוּר (Yom Kippur)?

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement.

On Yom Kippur, most Jews observe the holiest day of the year by attending religious services, fasting for approximately 25 hours, and refraining from other earthly pleasures such as bathing and wearing leather shoes. The day is spent in reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness for past transgressions, with the goal of spiritual purification and moral renewal. The fast culminates with the blowing of the shofar, signaling the end of the holiday, which is followed by a festive meal with family and friends. 

Key Practices and Observances

• Fasting: Jews abstain from all food and drink from sunset to sundown the following day, a practice intended to cleanse the spirit. 
• Religious Services: The majority of the holiday is spent in the synagogue, attending several special prayer services, including the evening Kol Nidrei service, the morning, afternoon, and memorial (Yizkor) services, and the concluding Ne’ilah service. 
• Refraining from Pleasures: In addition to fasting, observant Jews also avoid other physical comforts like bathing, applying lotions or perfumes, and wearing leather shoes. 
• Wearing White: Many people wear white clothing to symbolize purity and renewal, a practice that calls to mind biblical imagery of sins being made white as snow. 
• Introspection and Prayer: The day is a solemn time for self-reflection, seeking forgiveness for wrongs committed, and resolving to be a better person in the coming year. 
• The Shofar: A ram’s horn, or shofar, is blown to mark the end of the Yom Kippur fast, a powerful symbol concluding the holiday. 
• Break-the-Fast Meal: After the concluding service, a festive meal is held to break the fast and celebrate the end of the solemn day. 

(Source: AI)

In Biblical times, you would have to bring an animal to the synagogue to be sacrificed.

“On the Eve of Yom Kippur” by Marc Chagall

I am Catholic, so I don’t know what to say to a Jewish person celebrating their highest holy day.

Shalom.

Blessings.

May G-d bless you always.

You will be in my prayers.

I pray especially you will be free from antisemitism always, especially on this day.

Love, Miriam