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 the body, and marital relations. Specific start and end times vary by city across Israel, with Jerusalem's fast beginning at 17:58 and Tel Aviv's at 18:22 on Sunday, and concluding at 19:13 and 19:15 respectively on Monday.

Public transportation will cease operations gradually on Sunday afternoon and will not run at all on Monday, resuming service Monday evening and fully on Tuesday morning. Ben Gurion Airport will halt flights before the fast and restart them afterward. Most food chains, supermarkets, and malls will close Sunday afternoon, reopening on Monday evening or Tuesday morning. Hospitals, emergency services, and pharmacies will operate on a reduced or on-call basis.

As Yom Kippur eve falls on a Sunday, it is a regular workday, with reduced hours of 5 to 7 hours, depending on employment agreements. Employees are entitled to full pay for these shortened days. Work on Yom Kippur itself is compensated at 150% for hourly/daily workers and an additional 50% for monthly salaried employees, with further compensation for those forced to work.

Roads will be largely empty, becoming popular for cycling, with safety recommendations emphasizing helmets and visibility. The educational system will begin its Yom Kippur break on Sunday, followed by a Sukkot holiday break.

Preparations for the fast include drinking plenty of fluids, gradually reducing caffeine, and avoiding physical exertion. The pre-fast meal should focus on complex carbohydrates and avoid salty or fried foods. During the fast, rest is advised, and medical attention should be sought for severe symptoms. Those with chronic conditions or advised by a doctor are exempt from fasting. Children under bar/bat mitzvah age are not obligated to fast, though partial fasting is common for older children.

The fast is marked by specific prayers, including Kol Nidre before sunset, Shacharit, Musaf, Mincha, and Neilah before the fast ends, culminating in a single shofar blast. After the fast, it is customary to begin building the Sukkah for the upcoming Sukkot holiday.