Yom Kippur 2026: Fasting times, customs, and laws

When does the Yom Kippur 2026 fast begin and end? Yom Kippur 5787 will begin at sunset on Sunday, September 20, 2026 (9 Tishrei), and will end at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026 (10 Tishrei).

School and Kindergarten Vacation

The Yom Kippur 5787 vacation will begin on Sunday, 20.09.2026 (eve of the holiday, 9 Tishrei), and will end on Monday, 21.09.2026 (10 Tishrei). Students will return to school for two days, on Tuesday 22.09.2026, before the Sukkot vacation, which begins on Friday, 25.09.2026 (eve of Sukkot, 14 Tishrei) and continues until Saturday, 03.10.2026 (22 Tishrei, Hoshana Rabbah). The final return to school will be on Sunday, 04.10.2026 (Isru Chag Sukkot).

Public Transport

On the eve of Yom Kippur, Sunday, September 20, 2026, public transport operates on a reduced schedule and gradually ceases activity during the afternoon. Services resume at the end of the holiday, on Monday evening, September 21. Please note: Exact times for buses, trains, and Ben Gurion Airport vary annually. It is recommended to check official announcements from the Ministry of Transport and relevant operators closer to the date.

What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the holiest day for the people of Israel, a time for forgiveness, atonement, and starting anew. According to tradition, on this day the Almighty forgave the people of Israel for the sin of the golden calf, allowing us to begin a new path in the coming year.

Preparing for the Fast

• Sins between man and his fellow man: The sages taught that Yom Kippur does not atone for interpersonal sins until one has appeased the person they harmed. We must ask for forgiveness, pay for damages, and approach the day with clean hands.

• Asking for forgiveness: It is customary before the holiday to ask for forgiveness from loved ones, even if we are unaware of any specific offense.

• Kapparot custom: An ancient ritual where an envelope containing money for charity is passed over the head three times with the intention that the mitzvah of charity will atone for our actions.

• Seuda Mafseket (final meal): The final meal before the fast, intended to prepare the body. It is recommended to stay hydrated and eat strengthening foods throughout the day.

Prohibitions and Prayers

With the onset of the holiday, eating, drinking, washing, wearing leather shoes, anointing, and marital relations are forbidden. All Sabbath prohibitions apply to Yom Kippur.

Key prayers:

1. Kol Nidrei: Opens Yom Kippur with a request to release us from unnecessary vows and promises made in vain.

2. Seder HaAvodah: A highlight of the Musaf prayer, describing the High Priest's entry into the Holy of Holies for atonement.

3. Ne'ilah: The concluding prayer, symbolizing the locking of the gates of heaven. It ends with the blowing of the shofar, marking the end of the fast.