What does the Hebrew word 'kippur' mean in English?

The Hebrew word “kippur” means “atonement” in English. The holiday’s fuller Hebrew name, Yom HaKippurim, is commonly translated as “Day of Atonement,” describing its central themes of repentance, reconciliation, and forgiveness.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism. Traditional observance includes fasting, lengthy synagogue services, confession of sins, and seeking forgiveness from people one has wronged. The day’s purpose is not simply private regret: Jewish teaching emphasizes that wrongdoing toward another person requires making amends with that person.

The holiday’s biblical background includes the ancient Temple service, when the High Priest performed special rites of purification and atonement. After the Temple’s destruction, prayer, repentance, charity, and ethical repair became central ways of observing the day.

“Kippur” is sometimes confused with “fasting” because fasting is its most visible practice, but fasting is an observance rather than the word’s meaning. “Judgment” is also associated with the High Holy Days, yet the direct translation is atonement.