Holidays

Cloud and moon mark for Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur

יוֹם כִּפּוּר

The Day of Atonement — fasting, prayer, and return.

Times for New York (ET). Approximate — confirm locally.

See Yom Kippur times

What to know

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year: affliction of the body paired with elevation of the soul. The day is spent largely in synagogue — confession, remembrance, and hope for sealing in the Book of Life.

Candle lighting marks the start. The fast typically begins at sundown and ends at nightfall the next day (community definitions of tzeit vary). Havdalah after the fast returns the weekday with wine, flame, and spice where custom allows.

Shabbat7 helps you see the thresholds in advance. The day itself asks for absence from the feed.

Prepare with Shabbat7

  • Know candle lighting and fast-begin before late afternoon. Eat a solid seudah mafseket with time to spare.
  • Set any permitted timers, lights, and medical needs before the day begins. Ask a rav about health exceptions — websites do not pasken.
  • Plan how you will end the fast (Havdalah, break-fast) so you are not improvising in the dark.

For weekly Shabbat candle lighting in general, see candle lighting times and Havdalah times. This page is for Yom Kippur.

Upcoming dates & times

New York · ET · updating…

  1. Erev Yom Kippur

    ערב יום כיפור

    Sunday, September 20, 2026

    9 Tishrei 5787

    Candles 6:38 PMET

  2. Yom Kippur

    יום כיפור

    Monday, September 21, 2026

    10 Tishrei 5787

    Havdalah 7:45 PMET

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Frequently asked questions

When does the Yom Kippur fast end?
At nightfall after Yom Kippur, according to your community’s definition of tzeit hakochavim. Shabbat7 shows an approximate end time — confirm locally.
Is Yom Kippur also Shabbat sometimes?
Yes. When Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat, melacha rules follow the stricter combined day. Check candle lighting and Havdalah carefully with your community calendar.

Educational aid only. Times and practices vary by community. Always confirm with your local halachic authority. For use before the day — please disconnect once it begins.