Israel Prepares for Yom Kippur 2026 with Fasting Times and Traditions

Yom Kippur in 2026 will begin at sunset on Sunday, September 20, and end after nightfall on Monday, September 21. The fast starts at different times depending on the city, for example, in Jerusalem it begins at 18:03 and ends at 19:16, while in Tel Aviv it starts at 18:19 and ends at 19:18. Schools and kindergartens will be closed on both days, with students returning briefly on Tuesday, September 22, before starting the Sukkot holiday on Friday, September 25, lasting until Saturday, October 3. Public transportation will operate on a reduced schedule on the eve of Yom Kippur and will resume on Monday evening, with exact times to be confirmed closer to the holiday.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism, focused on forgiveness, atonement, and renewal. Tradition holds that God forgave the Israelites for the sin of the Golden Calf on this day, allowing a fresh start for the new year. Preparation for the fast includes seeking forgiveness from others, especially those close to us, and performing the "kaparot" ritual, which involves passing money over one's head three times before donating it to charity. The final meal before the fast, called the "se'udah mafseket," is eaten joyfully to strengthen the body.

During Yom Kippur, observant Jews abstain from food, drink, washing, wearing leather shoes, applying oils, and marital relations, observing restrictions similar to those of the Sabbath. The day’s prayers include "Kol Nidrei," which asks for annulment of vows, the "Avodah" service recalling the High Priest’s entry into the Holy of Holies, and the concluding "Neilah" prayer, marking the closing of the heavenly gates and ending with the sounding of the shofar to conclude the fast.