What is the traditional Yom Kippur greeting?

The traditional Yom Kippur greeting is “G'mar chatima tova,” meaning “May you be sealed for a good [year].”

The phrase refers to the Jewish High Holy Day theme that a person’s fate is traditionally written on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur. “G'mar” means completion or finalization, while “chatima tova” means a good sealing. It is commonly transliterated in several ways, including “Gmar chatimah tovah” and “G'mar חתימה טובה.”

The greeting is especially associated with Yom Kippur, though people may also say “Tzom kal,” wishing someone an easy fast. “Shana tova,” meaning “good year,” is more closely associated with Rosh Hashanah and the broader Jewish New Year season. “Chag sameach” means “happy holiday,” but is not the distinctive traditional Yom Kippur greeting.

Because Yom Kippur is a solemn day of fasting, prayer, repentance, and atonement, greetings are generally more restrained than ordinary festive holiday wishes. The phrase therefore combines spiritual seriousness with a wish for a favorable divine judgment.