What is the English name for Yom Kippur?

The English name for Yom Kippur is the “Day of Atonement.” The Hebrew name literally refers to a day of atonement or expiation and is commonly translated this way in English.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism and is devoted to repentance, prayer and seeking forgiveness. It concludes the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Traditional observance includes fasting, abstaining from several physical comforts, confession of sins and extended synagogue services.

The holiday’s solemn character explains why “Day of Joy” is not an appropriate translation. “Day of Judgment” may describe an associated religious idea, especially imagery about divine judgment, but it is not the standard English name. “Day of Repentance” is related in meaning but is also not the canonical translation.

Yom Kippur is distinct from Tisha B’Av, another major fast day, and from Rosh Hashanah, which begins the annual period of repentance. Its central emphasis is reconciliation with God and with other people before the Day of Atonement ends.