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. Observances begin with the Kol Nidre prayer before sunset and conclude with the Neilah prayer and a single shofar blast after nightfall.

Public transportation will cease operations in the afternoon of Sunday, September 20th, and resume gradually on Monday evening, with full service returning Tuesday morning. Most businesses, including supermarkets and malls, will close in the afternoon of September 20th and reopen on September 21st. Hospitals, emergency services, and pharmacies will operate on a reduced or emergency basis.

As Yom Kippur falls on a Sunday in 2026, it is a regular workday for most, with a shortened schedule of 5 to 7 hours. Employees are entitled to specific compensation if required to work on the holiday itself. The article also provides guidance on preparing for the fast, including hydration and dietary recommendations for the pre-fast meal, and advice for a lighter fast. It emphasizes that medical advice supersedes religious observance for those with health conditions.

Children under the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah (13 for boys, 12 for girls) are not obligated to fast, though partial fasting is encouraged for older children. The article also touches on the significance of Yom Kippur, its prayers, and customs such as seeking forgiveness and the 'Kapara' ritual. It notes that Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism, dedicated to atonement and renewal, and that it does not atone for sins between individuals until reconciliation is achieved.

Additionally, the piece offers safety tips for cyclists, as roads are largely empty, leading to an increase in bicycle and scooter use, and highlights the upcoming Sukkot holiday, with schools closing for Yom Kippur and then entering Sukkot vacation shortly thereafter.