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

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, in 2026 will commence on Sunday, September 20th, at sunset (9 Tishrei) and conclude on Monday, September 21st, after nightfall (10 Tishrei). The fast, lasting approximately 25 hours, prohibits eating, drinking, bathing, wearing leather shoes, anointing, and marital relations. Specific entry and exit times for the fast vary by city across Israel, with Jerusalem starting at 17:58 and Tel Aviv at 18:22 on Sunday, and concluding around 19:13-19:16 on Monday. Public transportation will cease operations in the afternoon of September 20th and resume gradually on the evening of September 21st, with full service returning the following morning. Ben Gurion Airport will halt flights before the fast and restart them afterward. Service taxis and private taxis will largely be unavailable. The eve of Yom Kippur, September 20th, is a shortened workday, typically 5 to 7 hours, with work usually ending at least three hours before the fast begins. Working on Yom Kippur itself entitles employees to additional pay. The article also details the religious significance of Yom Kippur, emphasizing atonement and renewal, and outlines preparations such as seeking forgiveness from others, performing the "Kapara" ritual with money for charity, and the pre-fast meal. It lists the five prohibitions of Yom Kippur, which mirror those of Shabbat, and describes key prayers: Kol Nidre, the Avodah service recounting the High Priest's entry into the Holy of Holies, and the concluding Ne'ilah service, which ends with the blowing of the shofar. The article also provides weather forecasts for the holiday period and notes that the day is popular for cycling, advising safety precautions. School holidays for Yom Kippur will be followed immediately by Sukkot break.