What is the Jewish day of fasting and atonement called?

The Jewish day of fasting and atonement is called Yom Kippur. Its Hebrew name means “Day of Atonement,” and it is considered the holiest day in the Jewish year.

Yom Kippur occurs on 10 Tishrei, ten days after Rosh Hashanah. Traditional observance includes a complete fast from food and drink, abstaining from bathing for pleasure, wearing leather shoes, and other restrictions. The fast generally lasts from sunset before the holiday until nightfall afterward, roughly 25 hours.

Synagogue services emphasize confession, repentance, forgiveness, and prayer. The closing service is called Neilah, meaning “closing,” and the holiday ends with a shofar blast in many communities.

Yom Kippur is not simply a day for apologizing to God. Jewish teaching also stresses repairing harm done to other people, seeking forgiveness from them directly. Medical needs take priority over fasting, and Jewish law permits or requires eating when health is at risk.