Yom Kippur: The Holiest Day of the Year

Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar. In 2025, it begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 1 and ends after nightfall on Thursday, October 2. It’s a 25-hour fast—no food, no drink, no distractions—meant for deep reflection and reconnection with what really matters.

Rooted in ancient history, Yom Kippur commemorates the day Moses came down from Mount Sinai with full forgiveness for the Golden Calf incident. Since then, it’s been a day dedicated to introspection, apologies, and realigning with our best selves.

Instead of focusing on the physical, people gather in synagogues for powerful services like Kol Nidrei and Neilah, bookending a day of prayer and quiet contemplation. Five services are held throughout the day, including a moving reading from the Book of Jonah and a symbolic “closing of the gates” at sunset.

Though it’s solemn, Yom Kippur is also hopeful. The goal isn’t punishment—it’s renewal. By letting go of past mistakes and focusing on growth, many find it to be one of the most meaningful days of the year.

You don’t need to know all the prayers or be fully observant. Just showing up—physically or emotionally—is a strong first step toward change.