Yom Kippur 2024 (the Day of Atonement): October 11–12
Cambridge, ON – Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It occurs annually on the 10th of Tishrei corresponding to a date in late September or early October.
It begins this year at sunset on Wednesday 2 October and ends at nightfall on Friday 4 October, marking the last of the 10 days of repentance that began with Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year.
During this 10-day period, followers of Judaism reflect on their personal actions throughout the past year, show compassion and forgiveness towards others, and – on Yom Kippur itself – seek forgiveness from and reconciliation with God by atoning (making amends) for personal sins or wrongdoings.
Following a pre-Yom Kippur feast, those observing will usually fast from sunset the day before until the evening of Yom Kippur (around 25 hours), as well as attending synagogue prayer services throughout the day. As on Rosh Hashanah, the shofar – a trumpet made from a ram’s horn – is blown at the end of the last Yom Kippur service to signify the end of the fast.
To learn more about this special holiday, click here
