Yom Kippur 2026 begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026.
It falls on 10 Tishrei 5787 in the Hebrew calendar, corresponds to the holiest day in Judaism, and is observed worldwide by Jewish communities across every denomination — Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and Samaritan.
This guide covers exact start and end times by city, fasting rules, the five prohibitions (inuyim), prayer services, greetings, school and university closures, workplace accommodation rights, traditions, break-fast guidance, and observance for families and interfaith households.
Table of Contents
When Is Yom Kippur 2026? Exact Date and Times
Yom Kippur 2026 begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026 — a duration of approximately 25 to 26 hours.
The Hebrew date is 10 Tishrei 5787.
The Sunday-to-Monday positioning in 2026 is notable: candle lighting and Kol Nidre services fall on Sunday evening, while the full observance day — including all morning, afternoon, and closing services — falls on Monday, September 21, 2026.
This calendar placement directly affects work absences, school closures, and travel logistics, as Monday is a standard business and school day in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and most of the Jewish diaspora.
How Many Days Until Yom Kippur 2026?
What Time Does Yom Kippur Start and End in 2026? Times by City
Start and end times are calculated from local zmanim — halachic time calculations based on the precise angle of the sun at a given latitude and longitude.
The figures below represent candle lighting (fast start) and nightfall (fast end, corresponding to three medium stars being visible, or 8.5 degrees below the horizon).
Times should be verified via Hebcal or Chabad’s zmanim calculator before publication, as they shift slightly year to year.
| City | Fast Begins (Sunday, September 20, 2026) | Fast Ends (Monday, September 21, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | ~6:57 PM EDT | ~7:56 PM EDT |
| Los Angeles, CA | ~7:01 PM PDT | ~7:58 PM PDT |
| Chicago, IL | ~6:45 PM CDT | ~7:43 PM CDT |
| Miami, FL | ~7:22 PM EDT | ~8:19 PM EDT |
| Toronto, Canada | ~7:02 PM EDT | ~8:01 PM EDT |
| London, United Kingdom | ~7:04 PM BST | ~8:05 PM BST |
| Jerusalem, Israel | ~6:30 PM IDT | ~7:27 PM IDT |
| Melbourne, Australia | ~6:01 PM AEDT | ~7:01 PM AEDT |
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | ~7:18 PM ART | ~8:15 PM ART |
| Paris, France | ~7:49 PM CEST | ~8:52 PM CEST |
How the Hebrew Calendar Determines Yom Kippur’s Date Each Year
Yom Kippur always falls on 10 Tishrei in the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, which is why the Gregorian date changes every year. The Hebrew month of Tishrei begins with Rosh Hashanah; Yom Kippur follows exactly nine days later, on the tenth.
The Hebrew lunisolar calendar synchronizes lunar months (approximately 29.5 days each) with the solar year through a 19-year cycle of intercalation (the addition of a 13th month, Adar II, seven times per cycle).
This mechanism prevents the holidays from drifting across seasons the way purely lunar calendars — such as the Islamic Hijri calendar — do.
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day of Week | Hebrew Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 11–12 | Friday–Saturday | 5785 |
| 2025 | October 1–2 | Wednesday–Thursday | 5786 |
| 2026 | September 20–21 | Sunday–Monday | 5787 |
| 2027 | September 21–22 | Tuesday–Wednesday | 5788 |
| 2028 | October 9–10 | Monday–Tuesday | 5789 |
What Is Yom Kippur? Meaning, Significance, and Biblical Origins
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement (yom = day, kippur = atonement or covering). It is the culminating day of the High Holy Days — a 10-day period of introspection, repentance, and moral accounting that begins on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
The three spiritual pillars of the High Holy Days are teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charitable giving).
Yom Kippur is the day on which the sealing of the divine decree is completed: Jewish tradition holds that God inscribes all human beings in the Book of Life on Rosh Hashanah, and the book is sealed at the end of Yom Kippur.
The traditional closing greeting of the season — “Gmar chatima tova” (גמר חתימה טובה) — means “may you be sealed for a good year” and is used specifically during the Ten Days of Repentance and on Yom Kippur itself.
Yom Kippur in the Hebrew Bible
Yom Kippur’s biblical source is Leviticus 16, which describes the Temple service performed on the 10th of Tishrei by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). The chapter prescribes the ritual in precise detail: the High Priest entered the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies) — the innermost chamber of the Tabernacle and later the Temple — once per year, on this day alone, to offer incense and blood sacrifices for the atonement of the entire nation.
Two goats were central to the Temple ritual: one was sacrificed to God, and the other — the scapegoat — had the sins of Israel symbolically transferred onto it by the High Priest before being sent into the wilderness to Azazel (Leviticus 16:21–22). The term “scapegoat” in English derives directly from this passage.
Additional biblical sources include:
- Leviticus 23:27–32: Commands a complete fast and cessation of work on the tenth of the seventh month
- Numbers 29:7–11: Specifies the additional sacrificial offerings for the day
- Isaiah 57:14–58:14: The Haftarah reading for Yom Kippur morning — a prophetic critique that equates genuine fasting with justice and care for the poor, rather than ritual performance alone
- The Book of Jonah: Read as the Haftarah during the afternoon (Mincha) service; interpreted as a text about divine forgiveness and the universality of repentance
Yom Kippur and the High Holy Days (Yamim Noraim)
The Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuvah) run from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur. The entire period is called Yamim Noraim — Days of Awe. Rosh Hashanah 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 9–Thursday, September 10, 2026. Sukkot 2026 begins on Saturday, September 25, 2026 — five days after Yom Kippur ends.
Yom Kippur does not stand alone. It is the destination of a ten-day process. Rosh Hashanah opens the period of divine judgment; Yom Kippur closes and seals it.
Yom Kippur Fasting Rules: The Five Prohibitions (Inuyim)
The five prohibitions of Yom Kippur are: eating and drinking, washing the body, anointing with oils or lotions, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. These are known collectively as the inuyim — afflictions — drawn from the biblical command to “afflict your souls” (Leviticus 23:27).
The spiritual rationale is not punishment or suffering for its own sake. Halachic authorities describe the purpose as the temporary transcendence of physical needs to concentrate exclusively on prayer, introspection, and atonement.
The Five Prohibitions Explained
| Prohibition | Scope | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| No eating or drinking | All food and liquid, including water, for the full 25-hour period | Medical exemptions, children under halachic age |
| No washing or bathing | Bathing or washing for pleasure or hygiene beyond necessity | Washing fingers upon waking (negel vaser), washing after using the toilet, and washing for handling food are permitted |
| No anointing | Perfumes, deodorants, lotions, cosmetics | Medical use of creams or ointments is generally permitted; consult a rabbi |
| No leather shoes | Wearing shoes made of animal leather | Non-leather shoes — canvas, cloth, rubber, synthetic — are standard; vegan leather alternatives are increasingly common |
| No marital relations | As with other fast days | None |
Who Is Exempt from Fasting on Yom Kippur?
The halachic principle of pikuach nefesh — the preservation of human life — overrides the Yom Kippur fast. This is not a lenient exception; it is a positive religious obligation. A person whose life would be endangered by fasting is required, not merely permitted, to eat.
Categories of individuals who are typically exempt include:
- Children under bar or bat mitzvah age: Boys under 13 and girls under 12 are not obligated to fast. Gradual introduction — skipping one meal or fasting for a few hours — is a common practice in observance-oriented families.
- Pregnant and nursing women: Many authorities hold that pregnant women are exempt if fasting causes them discomfort or risk. Consult both a physician and a halachic authority.
- People with diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics face specific risks from a 25-hour dry fast, including hypoglycemia and dangerous blood glucose fluctuations. Insulin-dependent diabetics and those on certain oral hypoglycemics should not fast without medical and rabbinical guidance.
- Individuals with kidney disease: Dehydration exacerbates kidney stress. Those on dialysis are typically exempt from fasting entirely.
- Heart and cardiovascular patients: Volume depletion and electrolyte shifts during a 25-hour dry fast can increase arrhythmia risk in individuals with existing cardiac conditions.
- Individuals in active eating disorder recovery: Several major halachic authorities, including those affiliated with the Orthodox Union (OU), have addressed this directly. Observing Yom Kippur through non-fasting spiritual practices — extended prayer, meditation, Psalms — is recognized as a valid alternative for those for whom fasting poses psychiatric risk.
- Elderly individuals: Dehydration risk increases significantly with age. Individuals over 70, particularly those with cardiovascular or renal comorbidities, should consult a physician before committing to the full fast.
Eating in Small Measures (Shi’urim)
For individuals who must eat but are unable to fully observe the fast, halachic authorities permit eating or drinking in amounts smaller than a defined threshold (shiur). For food, the standard threshold is less than a kosevet (approximately 30 ml in volume, roughly the size of a large date).
For liquid, the threshold is less than a melo lugmav (a cheek-full, approximately 38 ml). These amounts are consumed with a minimum interval of 9 minutes between each, preventing the act from constituting a full meal halachically. This protocol must be implemented under rabbinical guidance.
How to Prepare for the Yom Kippur Fast: Pre-Fast Meal (Seudah Hamafseket)
The pre-fast meal, called the seudah hamafseket, is eaten on the afternoon of Erev Yom Kippur (Sunday, September 20, 2026) before candle lighting, typically concluding no later than 30 minutes before sunset.
Evidence-based preparation recommendations for the 2026 fast — noting that September in most Northern Hemisphere cities remains warm, which increases dehydration risk — include:
- Hydration in the 48 hours before the fast: Drink 2–3 liters of water daily on September 18 and 19, 2026. This is the primary evidence-based intervention for reducing fast-related headaches and fatigue.
- Reduce sodium intake in the 24 hours before the fast: High sodium intake increases thirst during the fast. Avoid processed foods, pickled items, and heavy cheeses on Erev Yom Kippur.
- Consume complex carbohydrates and protein at the pre-fast meal: These slow digestion and sustain blood glucose stability. Chicken, fish, eggs, whole-grain bread, and non-salty vegetables are common traditional choices.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods on the day before the fast: Alcohol is a diuretic; caffeine withdrawal during the fast is a primary cause of Yom Kippur headaches; spicy food increases thirst.
- Caffeine tapering: Regular coffee drinkers may consider reducing intake gradually in the days before September 20, 2026, to minimize withdrawal headaches during the fast.
- Medication management: Medications typically taken with food or water require consultation with both a physician and a rabbi. Many medications can be reformulated as suppositories or patches for use during the fast. Injections (including insulin) are generally permitted under most halachic authorities.
Yom Kippur Prayer Services: Structure, Liturgy, and Key Prayers
Yom Kippur has five prayer services, more than any other day in the Jewish year. They are recited consecutively from Sunday evening through Monday evening on September 20–21, 2026.
The Five Services of Yom Kippur
| Service | Time | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Kol Nidre | Sunday evening, September 20, 2026 | Annulment of vows; opening service |
| Shacharit | Monday morning, September 21, 2026 | Torah reading (Leviticus 16); Morning service |
| Musaf | Monday late morning | Avodah (Temple reenactment); Unetaneh Tokef |
| Mincha | Monday afternoon | Torah reading (Leviticus 18); Haftarah: Book of Jonah |
| Ne’ilah | Monday late afternoon/early evening | Closing service; gates of heaven closing; ends with shofar |
Kol Nidre: The Opening Prayer of Yom Kippur 2026
Kol Nidre is not technically a prayer but a legal declaration, recited in Aramaic, that annuls personal vows and commitments made to God, not vows between people. The common misconception that Kol Nidre releases interpersonal obligations has no basis in halachic law; interpersonal wrongs require direct human reconciliation, which Yom Kippur does not automatically provide.
The declaration is chanted three times before nightfall on Sunday, September 20, 2026, while the Torah scrolls are held by congregants. The melody — descending minor phrases that ascend and resolve — is among the most recognized musical phrases in the entire Jewish liturgical tradition. Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities use distinct melodic versions: the Ashkenazi nusach (attributed to the 16th-century composer Rashi traditions but substantially shaped by later European cantorial tradition) is the most widely recognized globally; the Sephardic tradition uses a distinct modal framework.
Kol Nidre services are typically the most attended synagogue service of the year, drawing Jews across all denominations and levels of observance.
Unetaneh Tokef: The Central Liturgical Poem of Musaf
Unetaneh Tokef is a piyyut (liturgical poem) recited during the Musaf service that describes God’s annual judgment of all living beings. The central passage — “who shall live and who shall die, who by water and who by fire…” — enumerates possible fates and is among the most theologically intense passages in the machzor (High Holy Days prayer book).
The poem concludes with the declaration that “repentance, prayer, and charity avert the evil of the decree” (u-teshuvah u-tefillah u-tzedakah ma’avirin et ro’a ha-gezeirah). This line is the conceptual foundation of the entire High Holy Day season.
Vidui: The Confession Prayer
The Vidui (confession) is recited multiple times throughout Yom Kippur and consists of two parts:
- Ashamnu: A short alphabetical acrostic listing 24 categories of sin (e.g., “we have acted corruptly, we have betrayed, we have stolen…”). It is recited as a communal plural — “we have sinned” — not “I have sinned.”
- Al Chet: A longer, more detailed confession covering 44 categories of sin, organized in two sections. It is recited while beating the left side of the chest over the heart, a traditional gesture of penitence.
Both confessions are collective. This communal framing reflects the halachic principle of kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh — all of Israel is responsible for one another.
Ne’ilah: The Closing Service
Ne’ilah is unique to Yom Kippur — it does not appear on any other day in the Jewish calendar. Ne’ilah means “locking” or “closing,” a reference to the gates of heaven closing as Yom Kippur ends.
The service begins approximately 75 to 90 minutes before nightfall and concludes precisely at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026. The emotional intensity of Ne’ilah is widely described as the climax of the entire High Holy Day season. During Ne’ilah, the Aron HaKodesh (ark containing the Torah scrolls) remains open for the entire service, an honor usually reserved only for specific moments.
Ne’ilah ends with:
- A single recitation of Shema Yisrael (“Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One”)
- Three recitations of “Baruch shem kevod malchuto le’olam va’ed”
- Seven recitations of “Adonai hu ha-Elohim”
- A single long blast of the tekiah gedolah on the shofar — the signal that the fast has ended
Yizkor: The Yom Kippur Memorial Service
Yizkor is a memorial prayer recited four times per year: on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the last day of Passover, and the second day of Shavuot. On Yom Kippur 2026, it is recited during Shacharit on Monday morning, September 21, 2026, typically after the Torah reading.
Yizkor is recited for deceased immediate family members — parents, spouses, siblings, and children. In traditional Ashkenazi practice, those whose parents are both living step outside the synagogue during Yizkor; this custom is not universal and varies by community.
Yom Kippur Greetings: What to Say in 2026
The most precise traditional greeting for Yom Kippur is “Gmar chatima tova,” meaning “may you be sealed for a good year.” The phrase “Tzom kal” — “have an easy fast” — is the more practical day-of greeting.
Traditional Yom Kippur Greetings
| Phrase | Language | Transliteration | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| גמר חתימה טובה | Hebrew | Gmar chatima tova | May you be sealed for a good year | Before and during Yom Kippur |
| גמר טוב | Hebrew | G’mar tov | Abbreviated form of above | Casual use; same period |
| צום קל | Hebrew | Tzom kal | Have an easy fast | On the day of the fast |
| Have an easy fast | English | — | Direct equivalent of tzom kal | Widely used in English-speaking diaspora |
| חג טוב | Hebrew | Chag tov | Good holiday | General; less specific to Yom Kippur |
| שנה טובה | Hebrew | Shanah tovah | Good year | More specific to Rosh Hashanah, but still used in the Days of Awe |
Is It Appropriate to Say “Happy Yom Kippur”?
“Happy Yom Kippur” is not incorrect, but it does not reflect the tone of the day. Yom Kippur is a solemn fast day — a day of introspection and atonement — rather than a celebratory festival. The greeting is not offensive; most Jewish people will understand the intent. It is, however, semantically imprecise. “Have an easy fast” or “Wishing you a meaningful Yom Kippur” are more contextually appropriate alternatives in English.
What to Say to a Jewish Colleague or Friend on Yom Kippur 2026
For non-Jewish colleagues, managers, and neighbors, the most widely accepted English greetings are:
- “Have an easy fast”
- “Wishing you a meaningful Yom Kippur”
- “G’mar chatima tova” (if familiar with the pronunciation)
Workplace email sign-off on Monday, September 21, 2026 — particularly in organizations with Jewish employees — may acknowledge the holiday: “Wishing our colleagues observing Yom Kippur an easy fast and a meaningful day.”
Yom Kippur Traditions and Customs
Erev Yom Kippur: The Day Before, Sunday, September 20, 2026
Erev Yom Kippur (the eve of Yom Kippur) falls on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and carries several distinct observances that separate it from ordinary days.
Key Erev Yom Kippur practices:
- Seeking forgiveness from other people (bein adam l’chavero): Yom Kippur does not atone for wrongs committed against other people unless the wronged party has first been asked for forgiveness directly. The days before Yom Kippur are traditionally spent making personal amends.
- Immersion in the mikveh (ritual bath): Widely practiced among Ashkenazi men before Yom Kippur; increasingly practiced across denominations.
- Kapparot: A pre-Yom Kippur ritual in which a live chicken (or, more commonly, a sum of money equivalent to the cost of a chicken) is swung overhead while reciting a prayer that symbolically transfers one’s sins. The chicken is then donated to charity or consumed; the monetary version is donated to tzedakah directly. The use of actual chickens is practiced primarily in ultra-Orthodox communities; the monetary substitution is the majority practice across modern Orthodoxy.
- Candle lighting: Candles are lit before the fast begins, accompanied by a blessing specific to Yom Tov.
- The pre-fast meal (seudah hamafseket): Described in detail in the fasting section above.
White Clothing and the Kittel
White is the dominant color of Yom Kippur dress, representing purity, the angelic state, and — notably — the burial shroud (tachrichim), a reminder of human mortality and the seriousness of the day.
The kittel is a plain white linen or cotton robe worn over regular clothing, primarily by Ashkenazi men of Eastern European descent. It is the same garment worn by a Jewish groom at his wedding and traditionally used as a burial shroud. Women in many communities also wear white or avoid leather, gold jewelry, and adornment.
Non-leather shoes — canvas, cloth, rubber, suede alternatives — are standard synagogue footwear on Yom Kippur. In 2026, the market for vegan and leather-free formalwear has expanded considerably; specifically designed Yom Kippur shoes from brands such as Taos, Blundstone (non-leather lines), and various Israeli manufacturers are now available.
The Shofar Blast That Ends Yom Kippur
The fast ends with a single, sustained blast of the shofar — the tekiah gedolah (“great blast”) — blown at the conclusion of Ne’ilah. This blast signals the sealing of the Book of Life and the formal end of the Yom Kippur period.
The tekiah gedolah is held as long as the blower has breath. In many congregations, this moment is met with singing, dancing, and the immediate declaration: “Next year in Jerusalem” (L’shanah haba’ah biYerushalayim).
Breaking the Yom Kippur Fast: Traditions and Break-Fast Guide
The Breakfast Tradition
The Yom Kippur break-fast meal is a communal, restorative celebration marking the transition from the day’s solemnity to the upcoming festival of Sukkot. It is distinct from Rosh Hashanah’s symbolic foods: the break-fast is functionally designed — foods that are easy on a fasted digestive system, light in sodium, and hydrating.
In 2026, the fast ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026 — approximately 7:30–8:30 PM in most North American cities, depending on location. Community break-fasts are common; synagogues, Jewish community centers, and private homes host gatherings ranging from 10 to several hundred people.
Post-Fast Physiology: What Happens to the Body After a 25-Hour Dry Fast
After a 25-hour dry fast (no food or water), the body enters a state of mild to moderate dehydration combined with glycogen depletion. The physiological priorities upon breaking the fast are rehydration first, then caloric repletion.
Key post-fast nutritional principles:
- Begin with liquids: Water, diluted juice, or a sports electrolyte drink (low sugar) before any solid food. Plain water alone does not replenish electrolytes lost during fasting; sodium, potassium, and magnesium are the primary electrolytes depleted.
- Avoid high-sodium foods immediately: Despite traditional Ashkenazi favorites (lox, smoked fish, pickled herring), these should be consumed in moderation during the first 30 minutes of breaking the fast, as high sodium intake after dehydration increases immediate thirst without adequately rehydrating.
- Avoid large volumes of fried or fatty food immediately: The digestive system requires a gradual return to full function after a 25-hour fast. Heavy fried foods in the first hour increase the risk of nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Caffeine: Those who experience caffeine-withdrawal headaches during the fast may consume coffee or tea shortly after breaking the fast. This resolves the headache effectively.
Traditional Ashkenazi Break-Fast Menu
The classic Ashkenazi break-fast reflects Eastern European dairy and smoked fish traditions:
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Smoked salmon (lox) and whitefish salad
- Kugel (noodle or potato)
- Blintz soufflé
- Rugelach, honey cake (lekach), and marble cake
- Herring in cream sauce (moderately sodium-heavy — consume after initial rehydration)
- Fruit platter
Traditional Sephardic Breakfast Menu
Sephardic break-fast traditions vary by country of origin (Morocco, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Yemen) but commonly include:
- Flatbreads, pita, or jachnun (Yemenite)
- Bourekas (phyllo pastries with cheese, potato, or spinach)
- Fresh salads: Israeli salad (salat yerushalmi), tabbouleh
- Shakshuka or egg dishes
- Dates, figs, and fresh fruit
- Turkish coffee or mint tea
Break-Fast Recipe: Classic Noodle Kugel (Serves 8–10)
For a simple make-ahead breakfast dish that can be prepared before the fast begins and reheated:
- 450 g wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 450 g sour cream
- 4 eggs
- 120 g sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 60 g butter, melted
- Optional topping: cinnamon and breadcrumbs
Combine cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Fold in noodles. Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with cinnamon and breadcrumbs. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 45–55 minutes until golden. Can be made on Saturday, September 19, 2026, refrigerated, and reheated after the fast ends.
Yom Kippur School and University Closures in 2026
Monday, September 21, 2026, is the primary date for school and university closures due to Yom Kippur. The Sunday evening observance on September 20, 2026, affects evening classes and programming at educational institutions.
Confirmed K–12 School District Closures, September 21, 2026
| State | School District | Closure Status |
|---|---|---|
| California | Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) | Closed (Holiday) |
| Florida | Broward County Public Schools | Closed |
| Florida | Miami-Dade County Public Schools | No Students (Teacher Planning Day) |
| Florida | Palm Beach County Schools | Closed (Fall Holiday) |
| Maryland | Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) | Closed (Non-Instructional Day) |
| Massachusetts | Brookline Public Schools | Closed (Category I Holiday) |
| Massachusetts | Newton Public Schools | Closed |
| New Jersey | Cherry Hill Public Schools | Closed |
| New Jersey | Livingston Public Schools | Closed |
| New Jersey | Millburn Township Public Schools | Closed |
| New York | Scarsdale Public Schools | Closed |
| New York | Syosset Central School District | Closed |
| Virginia | Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) | Closed (Student Holiday) |
Confirmed College and University Closures, September 21, 2026
| Institution | Location | Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | No Classes (Holiday) |
| City University of New York (CUNY) — full system | New York, NY | No Classes Scheduled |
| Yeshiva University | New York, NY | Closed |
| Touro University | New York, NY | No Classes |
| Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion | Multiple campuses | Closed |
| Jewish Theological Seminary | New York, NY | Closed |
| Reconstructionist Rabbinical College | Wyncote, PA | Closed |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | No Classes (Formalized 2025–2026) |
| Ithaca College | Ithaca, NY | No Classes (Added 2025–2026) |
| Binghamton University (SUNY) | Binghamton, NY | No Classes |
SUNY System Institutions That Typically Cancel Classes
The State University of New York (SUNY) system includes multiple campuses that observe Yom Kippur. These include Stony Brook University, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Purchase College, SUNY Albany, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Geneseo, and SUNY Geneseo. Individual campus calendars should be verified for September 21, 2026.
Institutions That Provide Accommodation Rather Than Cancellation
Approximately 80–85% of U.S. universities do not cancel classes for Yom Kippur. Instead, they maintain institutional religious accommodation policies under which students and faculty may request excused absences. Examples include Harvard University, Columbia University, Yale University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, and the University of California system campuses.
The University at Buffalo reversed its Yom Kippur closure policy in 2014, shifting to an accommodation model — a policy change that drew public criticism from Jewish faculty and student organizations at the time.
Yom Kippur Workplace Accommodation Guide for 2026
Employee Rights Under U.S. Law
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, U.S. employers with 15 or more employees are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodation for an employee’s religious observance, unless doing so would create an “undue hardship” on the business.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines undue hardship as an accommodation that would impose more than a de minimis cost or burden — a standard that courts have interpreted to include significant operational disruption.
For Yom Kippur 2026, this means an employee who requests Monday, September 21, 2026, off for religious observance is entitled to reasonable accommodation. This may take the form of:
- Using paid time off (PTO) or vacation days
- A shift swap or schedule adjustment
- Unpaid leave
- Working remotely on a different schedule before or after the holiday
An employer is not permitted to require the employee to find their own replacement as a condition of the accommodation.
Sample Workplace Email: Request for Yom Kippur Absence
The following template may be adapted for use:
Subject: Religious Holiday Absence — Yom Kippur, Monday, September 21, 2026
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be observing Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, on Monday, September 21, 2026. The holiday begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026.
I will be unavailable from Sunday evening through Monday evening. I have [completed all pending deliverables / arranged coverage with [Colleague’s Name] / will follow up by Tuesday morning, September 22, 2026]. Please let me know if there is anything further you need from me before then.
Thank you for your understanding.
For Employers and HR Departments
Key compliance points for September 21, 2026, absence management:
- Document all religious accommodation requests in writing.
- Do not require employees to justify or “prove” their religious observance.
- Do not treat Yom Kippur absences differently from other approved absences when calculating performance reviews or attendance records.
- In the United Kingdom, the Equality Act 2010 provides equivalent protections. In Canada, human rights legislation at the federal and provincial levels similarly obligates religious accommodation to the point of “undue hardship.”
- In Israel, Yom Kippur is a national public holiday. All businesses, public transportation, and broadcasting will cease operation on Monday, September 21, 2026. The country-wide suspension of activity is near-total.
Yom Kippur for Families and Children
At What Age Do Children Fast on Yom Kippur?
Children are not halachically obligated to fast until bar or bat mitzvah age — 13 for boys, 12 for girls. Before that age, fasting is not required and potentially discouraged for younger children. The progressive approach — beginning with skipping one meal, then half-day fasting in the early teenage years — is common in families observing across Orthodox and Conservative frameworks.
Forcing young children to fast is inconsistent with the halachic principle that the inuyim should deepen spiritual experience, not create suffering for those not yet obligated.
How to Explain Yom Kippur to Young Children
The most accessible framing for children aged 4–8 is the concept of apology and repair: “It is a day when we think about the things we did wrong and say sorry.” The Ashamnu and Al Chet confessions — which use “we” rather than “I” — can be introduced as a communal “sorry” said together.
The Book of Jonah, the Haftarah reading at the afternoon service, is particularly effective for children: the narrative involves a man swallowed by a great fish, a city that repents and is forgiven, and a protagonist who must learn that forgiveness applies universally. It reads accessibly and contains no graphic content.
Age-appropriate Yom Kippur activities:
- Creating a personal “Book of Apologies” — writing or drawing one thing they regret and one thing they will do differently
- Decorating a tzedakah (charity) box to fill before the holiday
- Making a simple machzor cover or shofar craft
- Reading the Book of Jonah together (PJ Library and Kar-Ben Publishing both produce illustrated children’s editions)
Yom Kippur for Interfaith Families
The central question in interfaith households is whether non-Jewish partners or family members participate in Yom Kippur observance, and to what extent. There is no halachic obligation for non-Jews to observe Yom Kippur. There is, however, nothing halachically prohibited about a non-Jewish person attending synagogue services, fasting voluntarily, or participating in the break-fast.
Practical guidance:
- Non-Jewish partners who wish to fast as an act of solidarity are permitted to do so; this is a personal decision.
- Most synagogues welcome respectful non-Jewish guests at High Holy Day services. Tickets are often required for High Holy Day attendance; check with the specific synagogue in advance.
- Non-Jewish family members who are uncomfortable with synagogue participation can support Jewish family members by preparing the break-fast, managing logistics, and accommodating the day’s observance without themselves observing.
- Children in interfaith homes may be introduced to both religious traditions. The decision of how — and how deeply — to introduce Yom Kippur observance to children is family-specific and often benefits from guidance from a rabbi or family counselor.
Organizations, including 18Doors (formerly Interfaithfamily.com), provide specific resources for interfaith families navigating the High Holy Days.
Yom Kippur for Non-Jews: A Respectful Reference Guide
Yom Kippur is a solemn fast day, not a celebration. Non-Jewish colleagues, neighbors, and friends should understand that observant Jewish individuals on Monday, September 21, 2026, will typically be fasting, attending synagogue for most of the day, and refraining from the use of electronic devices in traditional communities.
Practical awareness points:
- Jewish colleagues will typically be unreachable on Monday, September 21, 2026, and Sunday evening, September 20, 2026. This is expected.
- Scheduling meetings, deadlines, or events on September 21, 2026, without acknowledging the holiday is a common source of workplace friction in organizations with Jewish employees.
- Sending a note that acknowledges the day — “Wishing you an easy fast” — is appropriate and widely appreciated.
- Non-Jews may attend synagogue services if invited, or if attending a community-accessible service. Modest dress, quietness, and following the lead of congregants are the appropriate norms.
Yom Kippur 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Yom Kippur start and end in 2026?
Yom Kippur 2026 begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026. Exact times vary by location. In New York, the fast begins at approximately 6:57 PM EDT and ends at approximately 7:56 PM EDT the following evening. Verify local zmanim at hebcal.com.
Can you drink water on Yom Kippur?
Traditional halachic observance prohibits drinking any water during the Yom Kippur fast. The prohibition covers all food and liquid for the approximately 25-hour duration. Individuals with medical conditions — including diabetes, kidney disease, pregnancy, or cardiovascular conditions — may be exempt under the pikuach nefesh principle. A rabbi and a physician should both be consulted before Yom Kippur by anyone with a relevant health condition.
Is Yom Kippur a public holiday in the United States?
Yom Kippur is not a federal public holiday in the United States. It is, however, a national public holiday in Israel, where all public transportation, broadcasting, and commerce halt for the duration of the fast. In the United States, employees are protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which requires employers to reasonably accommodate requests for religious observance.
What is the difference between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year; Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah opens the Ten Days of Repentance on Wednesday, September 9, 2026; Yom Kippur concludes them on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Rosh Hashanah is a two-day festival with festive meals; Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast day with five prayer services and no food or drink.
| Attribute | Rosh Hashanah 2026 | Yom Kippur 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | September 9–10, 2026 | September 20–21, 2026 |
| Hebrew date | 1–2 Tishrei 5787 | 10 Tishrei 5787 |
| Tone | Solemn-celebratory | Solemn |
| Fasting | No | Yes (25 hours) |
| Festive meals | Yes | No (pre-fast only) |
| Primary theme | Judgment begins | Judgment sealed |
| Shofar blown | Yes (100 blasts) | Yes (1 blast at close) |
| Synagogue attendance | Very high | Highest of the year |
What comes after Yom Kippur 2026?
Sukkot begins five days after Yom Kippur. In 2026, Sukkot starts at sundown on Friday, September 25, 2026, and runs for seven days (with Hoshana Rabbah on Thursday, October 1, 2026). Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah follow on Friday–Saturday, October 2–3, 2026, in the diaspora (one day combined in Israel).
The transition from the austerity of Yom Kippur to the joy of Sukkot — building and dwelling in temporary outdoor huts — is deliberate: in traditional interpretation, the physical act of beginning sukkah construction immediately after Ne’ilah reflects confidence in the completed atonement.
What is the meaning of Kol Nidre?
Kol Nidre (כָּל נִדְרֵי, “all vows”) is an Aramaic legal declaration that annuls personal vows made to God, recited at the opening of Yom Kippur on Sunday evening, September 20, 2026. It does not release obligations between people — only commitments made directly to God.
It is chanted three times before nightfall, while congregants hold Torah scrolls. Despite its legal rather than devotional content, the haunting melody makes Kol Nidre the most emotionally significant moment of the High Holy Day season for many Jewish communities worldwide.
