Yom Kippur 5787: Fast Times, Laws, and Traditions Across Israel

Yom Kippur 5787 will begin this year on Sunday evening, September 20, 2026, corresponding to Tishrei 9, 5787. The fast will continue throughout Monday, September 21, Tishrei 10, and will conclude with the appearance of the stars.

Fast Times Across Israel

• Jerusalem: Fast begins at 18:03, ends at 19:14

• Tel Aviv: Fast begins at 18:20, ends at 19:16

• Haifa: Fast begins at 18:12, ends at 19:15

• Beer-Sheva: Fast begins at 18:21, ends at 19:15

• Petah Tikva: Fast begins at 18:00, ends at 19:15

• Modiin: Fast begins at 18:20, ends at 19:15

• Netanya: Fast begins at 18:19, ends at 19:16

• Ashdod: Fast begins at 18:19, ends at 19:16

• Ashkelon: Fast begins at 18:11, ends at 19:17

• Safed: Fast begins at 18:12, ends at 19:13

• Tiberias: Fast begins at 18:10, ends at 19:13

• Eilat: Fast begins at 18:09, ends at 19:14

• Kiryat Shmona: Fast begins at 18:07, ends at 19:13

Significance and Laws of Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, falling on the 10th of Tishrei, is dedicated in Jewish tradition to repentance, forgiveness, and atonement, and is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The commandment to fast and afflict the soul appears in the Torah, alongside the prohibition against performing creative labor on this day.

According to tradition, Yom Kippur is also linked to the pardon for the sin of the Golden Calf. Maimonides explains that this is the day when Moses descended with the second tablets and announced to the people of Israel that their sin had been forgiven, establishing it as a day dedicated to repentance and the service of God.

During the era of the Holy Temple, a special order of service took place on Yom Kippur. The High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies, offer the day's sacrifices, and confess his sins, the sins of the priests, and the sins of the entire house of Israel.

Candle Lighting and Customs

Candles for Yom Kippur should be lit approximately 20 minutes before sunset, followed by the recitation of the appropriate blessings, including the blessing of Shehecheyanu.

The five primary prohibitions of Yom Kippur are: eating and drinking, washing, anointing the body, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. Performing creative labor is also forbidden. Pregnant and nursing women are obligated to fast fully, except where health risks are involved.

The Shofar and the Conclusion of the Fast

The sounding of the shofar takes place toward the end of the Neila prayer at the conclusion of the fast. It symbolizes triumph, confidence that God has heard the prayers, and the sealing of the verdict for a good life. It is customary to wear white garments throughout the fast and to begin building the sukkah immediately after its conclusion.