Yom Kippur 2026 Start Times Announced Across Israel

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will begin in Israel in 2026 on the evening of October 10th. The fast, lasting approximately 25 hours, will commence at different times across the country, dictated by sunset and geographical location. In Jerusalem, the fast starts at 5:59 PM and concludes the following day at 7:14 PM. Tel Aviv residents will begin fasting at 6:18 PM, ending at 7:16 PM, while in Haifa, it begins at 6:10 PM and ends at 7:15 PM. In Safed, the fast commences at 6:08 PM and concludes at 7:13 PM. On the southern coast, Beer Sheva's fast starts at 6:20 PM and ends at 7:15 PM, and in Eilat, it begins at 6:09 PM and ends at 7:14 PM. Yom Kippur is considered one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar, focusing on repentance, atonement, forgiveness, and introspection. Observants abstain from food and drink, dedicate time to prayer, and adhere to five main restrictions: no eating or drinking, no washing for pleasure, no use of lotions or creams, no wearing leather shoes, and no marital relations. These practices aim to detach individuals from physical needs and foster spiritual focus. Many wear white, symbolizing purity and a state akin to angels. While Yom Kippur atones for sins against God, forgiveness for offenses against others requires direct apology and seeking pardon from the wronged individual. The day's historical significance is linked to the tradition of Moses descending with the second Tablets of the Covenant on the 10th of Tishrei, following the sin of the Golden Calf, marking it as a time of repentance and atonement.