Yom Kippur 2026: Fast Times, Customs, and Observances in Israel and Worldwide

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, in 2026 (5787) will commence on Sunday, September 20th, with sunset, and conclude on Monday, September 21st, after nightfall. The fast, lasting approximately 25 hours, prohibits eating, drinking, bathing, wearing leather shoes, anointing, and marital relations. Specific fasting times vary by city, with Jerusalem beginning at 17:58 and Tel Aviv at 18:22 on Sunday. Public transportation will cease operations gradually on Sunday afternoon and will not run at all on Monday, resuming service on Monday evening and fully on Tuesday morning. Ben Gurion Airport will halt flights before the fast and restart them afterward. Service taxis and private taxis will largely be unavailable.

Sunday, September 20th, is a regular workday, but it is shortened to 5-7 hours depending on employment agreements, with work typically ending about three hours before the fast begins. Employees can request this day as a vacation day with advance notice. Working on Yom Kippur itself entitles employees to additional pay, at least 150% of their daily rate, and compensatory time off. Emergency services will remain operational throughout the fast.

Roads will be nearly empty of vehicular traffic, becoming popular for cycling, scooter riding, and children's activities. Authorities advise caution, recommending helmets, lights, and appropriate bike sizing to prevent the high number of cycling accidents, particularly among youth, that occur on this day.

The Yom Kippur holiday break for schools and kindergartens begins on Sunday, September 20th, and ends on Monday, September 21st. Students will return for two days before the Sukkot holiday break, which starts on Friday, September 25th, and concludes on Saturday, October 3rd. Full school days resume on Sunday, October 4th.

Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in Judaism, focused on atonement and seeking forgiveness. Preparations include seeking forgiveness from others, especially loved ones, and performing the 'Kapara' ritual involving charity. The 'Seudah Mafseket' is the final meal before the fast, intended to prepare the body. The day's prayers include Kol Nidre, the Avodah service describing the High Priest's entry into the Holy of Holies, and the concluding Neilah service, ending with the blowing of the Shofar.