Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Observed on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei, Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast day that falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. On Yom Kippur, Jews observe a complete fast that lasts from before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur until after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. In addition to fasting, Yom Kippur is marked by prayer services in synagogues and a focus on atonement and repentance for sins committed over the past year.
Who fasts on Yom Kippur?
Fasting on Yom Kippur is required for all healthy Jewish adults, except for women who are pregnant or nursing. Children under the age of 13 are encouraged, but not required, to fast. Children over the age of 13 should attempt to fast if their health permits. The elderly, infirm, or anyone with a medical condition for whom fasting would be dangerous are exempt from fasting. However, they are still expected to refrain from eating lavish meals on Yom Kippur and typically eat only simple foods to acknowledge the mood of the holiday.
What are the restrictions during the Yom Kippur fast?
On Yom Kippur, not only is eating prohibited, but also drinking, bathing, using perfumes or lotions, and marital relations. Essentially all physical pleasures are avoided on the holy day. Wearing leather shoes is also prohibited on Yom Kippur since leather was considered a luxury in ancient times. Many observant Jews will wear canvas or cloth sneakers instead. The prohibition on bathing and using perfumes or lotions stems from enjoying physical comforts. Marital relations are barred due to the focus on spiritual repentance on Yom Kippur.
Eating and drinking
Absolutely no food or drink is permitted during the 25 hours of the Yom Kippur fast. This includes water and other beverages. Observant Jews will not even rinse out their mouths on Yom Kippur. The fast begins before sunset as the holiday starts and lasts until after nightfall the following day when three stars can be seen in the night sky. At that point, the fast is officially over and eating can resume.
Bathing
Bathing for pleasure is prohibited on Yom Kippur, as it is considered a physical comfort. However, washing hands or other minimal washing for hygienic purposes is permitted. Many observant Jews will wash their hands or faces with cold water to minimize enjoyment.
Using lotions and perfumes
Scenting the body with perfumes, lotions, gels, or other pleasant-smelling products is prohibited on Yom Kippur since these are considered physical luxuries. However, using deodorant is permitted for hygienic purposes.
Marital relations
Jewish married couples abstain from physical intimacy on Yom Kippur as it distracts from the solemn nature of the day. Intimacy is avoided in order to maintain a solemn mood and complete focus on spiritual matters.
Are there any exceptions to the fasting requirement?
Yes, there are exceptions to the requirement to fast on Yom Kippur for some groups:
Children
Children below the age of 13 are not required to fast, although children aged 9-12 are encouraged to fast for part of the day to begin practicing. Judaism prohibits children below the age of 9 from fasting.
Pregnant or nursing women
Pregnant and nursing women are exempt from fasting since it could endanger the health of their baby. However, they are prohibited from indulging and must eat simple, healthful foods.
Sick or elderly
Those who are ill or elderly and have medical conditions are exempt from fasting if it poses a health risk. They should consult with a doctor about whether fasting is safe for them.
Medical emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, preservation of life supersedes the fast, so anyone who needs to break the fast for health reasons is permitted and even obligated to do so. If hospitalized and advised to take medications, one is allowed to do so.
What other religious prohibitions are there on Yom Kippur?
In additional to fasting, several other religious prohibitions observe on Yom Kippur include:
Bathing
As mentioned above, bathing in hot or cold water for pleasure is prohibited. Only washing for hygienic purposes is permitted.
Using oils or lotions
Anointing the skin with oils, creams, perfumes, gels, and ointments is prohibited on Yom Kippur since these are physical luxuries.
Wearing leather shoes
Leather shoes are prohibited as leather was considered a luxury in ancient times. Wearing leather-free canvas or cloth shoes is permitted.
Engaging in marital relations
Jewish married couples abstain from intimacy on the holy day of Yom Kippur.
Studying Torah
The Torah is not studied on Yom Kippur as the day is exclusively focused on prayer and repentance. It is the only day of the year that studying Torah is prohibited.
| Prohibited Activities on Yom Kippur |
|---|
| Eating and drinking |
| Bathing |
| Using oils and perfumes |
| Wearing leather shoes |
| Marital relations |
| Studying Torah |
What do you say when you break the fast?
When the fast concludes after sunset at the end of Yom Kippur, it is customary to recite the phrase “Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam boray p’ri ha-gafen” before drinking or eating. This Hebrew phrase means “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.” Observant Jews will traditionally break the fast by first drinking grape juice or wine and then eating challah or bread.
How do you wish someone an easy fast on Yom Kippur?
Here are some phrases you can use to wish someone an easy fast before Yom Kippur:
- “Tzom kal” – meaning “Have an easy fast” in Hebrew
- “Hatzlacha ur’fuah shlema” – Hebrew for “Good luck and be sealed for a good year”
- “Gmar chatima tova” – Hebrew for “May you be sealed in the Book of Life”
- “I wish you spiritual fulfillment this Yom Kippur”
Or if you want to wish them well at the conclusion of the holiday you can say:
- “Moadim le’simcha” – Hebrew for “joyous festivals”
- “Chag sameach” – Hebrew for “Happy holiday”
What prayers and services take place on Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is marked by extensive prayer services in synagogues. The services use a special prayer book called the Machzor. Here are some of the major prayers and services:
Kol Nidre
Takes place at the beginning of the eve of Yom Kippur. The cantor chants this prayer that annuls all personal vows made to God in the past year that were not fulfilled. It gives worshippers a clean slate going into Yom Kippur.
Maariv
The evening service recited the first night of Yom Kippur.
Shacharit
The morning prayer service.
Musaf
An additional service recited on holy days in the Jewish calendar.
Mincha
The afternoon prayer service.
Neilah
The concluding prayer service at sunset on Yom Kippur in which the gates of repentance are imagined to close. It is recited with great emotion and spiritual fervor.
Vidui
Repeated several times throughout Yom Kippur services, this is a confessional prayer in which sins are listed and remorse expressed. It emphasizes introspection, repentance, and atonement.
Conclusion
Yom Kippur is a solemn day of prayer, fasting, and atonement for Jewish people. Observing the 25-hour fast as well as other prohibitions on physical luxuries brings spiritual cleansing and a chance to start fresh in the new year. While fasting is challenging, the introspection and remorse over sins provide an opportunity for growth and renewal. By forgiving others and repenting fully, Jewish people aim to be sealed in the Book of Life.