Yom Kippur 2026: Key Times, Laws, and Observances for the Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will be observed this year on Monday, September 21, 2026, corresponding to the 10th of Tishrei. The fast will commence on Sunday evening, following the traditional "Kapara" ritual and a pre-fast meal. Specific times for the start and end of the fast vary by city across Israel. In Jerusalem, the fast begins at 6:03 PM and ends at 7:14 PM. In Tel Aviv, it starts at 6:20 PM and concludes at 7:16 PM. Haifa's observance is from 6:12 PM to 7:15 PM, while in Petah Tikva, it begins at 6:00 PM and ends at 7:15 PM. Beersheba's fast starts at 6:21 PM and ends at 7:15 PM, and in Kiryat Shmona, it begins at 6:19 PM and ends at 7:08 PM.

The article also delves into the religious significance of Yom Kippur, referencing its mention in the Torah as a day of fasting and soul-affliction, intended for atonement. Maimonides, in "The Guide for the Perplexed," explains the fast as a time for repentance, commemorating the day Moses descended with the second tablets and God forgave the sin of the Golden Calf. During the Temple era, the High Priest performed unique rituals, including entering the Holy of Holies and offering specific sacrifices.

The observance of Yom Kippur involves abstaining from five prohibitions: eating and drinking, bathing, anointing the body with oil, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. The article also touches upon weather forecasts for the holiday period, predicting partly cloudy conditions with a slight chance of morning drizzle on Sunday, and partly cloudy to clear skies with a slight temperature increase on Monday.

Guidance is provided on various aspects of observance, including repentance for sins between individuals and God, and seeking forgiveness from others. It discusses the "Kapara" custom, with differing opinions among authorities, and the practice of donating money as an alternative. The article clarifies rules for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the sick regarding fasting, emphasizing that life-threatening situations override the fast. It also outlines prayer customs, the attire worn on Yom Kippur, and the concluding rituals after the fast ends, including Havdalah and the subsequent building of a Sukkah.