What is Yom Kippur and when does it start? Here's what to know about the Jewish holiday

Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, begins this month.

Yom Kippur translates from Hebrew to English as the "Day of Atonement." Jewish people may spend the day fasting or attending synagogues, where congregations pray and meditate.

The purpose of Yom Kippur is to practice forgiving others and repentance for one’s sins against God. Yom Kippur concludes the “10 days of repentance” that begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year , which begins on Oct. 2, 2024.

For those unfamiliar with the Jewish holiday, here are some things to know about Yom Kippur and how to celebrate.

What is Rosh Hashanah? Here's what to know about the Jewish holiday that starts Wednesday

What is Yom Kippur and how is it observed?

Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is when Jewish people reflect on sins or wrongdoings from the previous year.

Many Jewish people will attend services at synagogues or other congregations, reciting prayers and singing special songs.

A common Yom Kippur tradition is to fast for 25 hours, not eating or drinking from the night Yom Kippur begins until the night it ends.

When is Yom Kippur 2024? How long does it last?

Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, and ends at nightfall on Monday, Oct. 12, 2024. It lasts one day.

What are common traditions during Yom Kippur?

Many Jewish families and communities will gather before Yom Kippur begins and after it ends to share festive meals to prepare for the beginning of their fast and break their fasts together.

Another important observance is the blowing of the shofar, or a curved ram’s horn. The shofar is sounded ceremonially to conclude Yom Kippur.

How should you greet people during Yom Kippur?

"G’mar chatima tova” is the customary greeting on Yom Kippur. In English, it means “May you be sealed in the Book of Life.”

According to Jewish tradition, one's fate is decided on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur.

Reach the reporter at zbradshaw@gannett.com or on X at @ZachBradshaw14 .

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What is Yom Kippur and when does it start? Here's what to know about the Jewish holiday