Yom Kippur 2026: Start and End Times Announced for Israel and Worldwide

The start and end times for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, in 2026 have been released for various cities in Israel and around the world. In Jerusalem, the fast will begin at 6:03 PM and conclude at 7:13 PM, with Rabbeinu Tam's opinion for the end time at 7:53 PM. Other Israeli cities with announced times include Bnei Brak, Modi'in Illit, Petah Tikva, Elad, Haifa, Ashdod, Tel Aviv, Safed, Be'er Sheva, and others.

Internationally, times have also been published for major cities such as New York, Toronto, London, Antwerp, Paris, Zurich, Moscow, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, Johannesburg, and Sao Paulo. For example, in New York, the fast begins at 6:36 PM and ends at 7:36 PM. In London, it starts at 6:35 PM and ends at 7:51 PM.

The article also provides guidance on Yom Kippur observances. It is a mitzvah to eat abundantly on the eve of Yom Kippur, with some opinions suggesting this applies even to the sick who are not fasting. It is also customary to immerse in a mikvah (ritual bath) starting an hour before midday on the eve of the fast. During the afternoon prayer (Mincha), the Vidui (confession) prayer is recited.

Further observances include the lighting of a "life candle" for married men, which should burn until the end of the holiday, and memorial candles for the deceased. Women light candles for Yom Kippur and recite blessings, including the Shehecheyanu blessing. It is advisable to recite confessions before nightfall, with the confession passages ideally said while standing. Upon waking, hands are washed in the morning, focusing only on the fingers and the webbing between them, not the entire hand.