Yom Kippur Fast Times Announced for 2026 in Israel

The fast for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, in 2026 will commence with sunset on Sunday and conclude with the appearance of stars on Monday evening. Specific fasting times have been released for major Israeli cities. In Jerusalem, the fast begins at 5:58 PM and ends at 7:13 PM. Tel Aviv residents will start fasting at 6:22 PM and break it at 7:15 PM, while in Haifa, the fast begins at 6:09 PM and ends at 7:15 PM. Other cities with announced times include Be'er Sheva (fast begins 6:21 PM, ends 7:15 PM), Eilat (fast begins 6:20 PM, ends 7:13 PM), Petah Tikva (fast begins 6:21 PM, ends 7:15 PM), and Beit Shemesh (fast begins 6:21 PM, ends 7:14 PM).

Yom Kippur, also known as "Yom Kippur," falls on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei and is a day of forgiveness and atonement. In the Torah, it is referred to as "Shabbat Shabbaton," the Sabbath of Sabbaths. Historically, the day centered on the High Priest's service in the Holy Temple, including the offering of incense and sprinkling of blood in the Holy of Holies. Following the destruction of the Temple, the primary observance became the "affliction" of fasting.

The fast encompasses five prohibitions: eating and drinking, bathing, anointing the body, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. Many communities observe a tradition where fathers bless their children before attending synagogue, placing their right hand on each child's head and reciting a prayer for a good life, devotion to God, Torah study, and success. Some customs include wearing white clothing, symbolizing purity like angels, with Ashkenazi Jews often wearing a white kittel (robe). The tallit, a prayer shawl, is worn during the evening service, draped before sunset with a blessing.