Yom Kippur 2026
Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement - is the holiest day in Judaism. In 2026 it begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, and ends after nightfall on Monday, September 21 (10 Tishrei). It is centered on fasting, prayer, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. It is not a U.S. federal holiday, and its date moves each year with the Hebrew calendar.
About Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement — is the holiest day in Judaism. In 2026 it begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, and ends after nightfall on Monday, September 21 (10 Tishrei). It is centered on fasting, prayer, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. It is not a U.S. federal holiday, and it is not International Day of Peace or any September 21 food calendar day.
2026 date, Hebrew calendar rule, and same-date neighbors
| Name | Typical date | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Yom Kippur / Day of Atonement | 10 Tishrei (lunar) | This page; 2026 = Sep 20 sundown–Sep 21 nightfall |
| Rosh Hashanah | 1–2 Tishrei | Jewish New Year; starts the High Holy Days — related, not the same |
| International Day of Peace | Sep 21 (UN) | Same Gregorian date often — different purpose |
| National Chai Day / Pecan Cookie Day | Sep 21 U.S. food calendars | Same-date food listings — secondary only |
| Year | Begins (sundown) | Ends (nightfall) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 20 | September 21 |
| 2027 | October 10 | October 11 |
| 2028 | September 29 | September 30 |
| 2029 | September 18 | September 19 |
| 2030 | October 6 | October 7 |
Do not treat September 21 as a fixed Gregorian date every year. The Hebrew date moves on the civil calendar. Related High Holy Days context: Rosh Hashanah starts the season; this page is the Day of Atonement, not the new year. See the September 20 hub and the September 21 hub.
A short, defendable timeline
Yom Kippur is rooted in Torah commandments concerning atonement. In ancient Israel the day was bound to Temple rites. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, Jewish practice emphasized prayer, repentance, and fasting in place of Temple sacrifice — a standard historical framing, not a sermon.
Yom Kippur is widely described as the climax of the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). Together they form the core of the High Holy Days for many Jewish communities. There is no modern founder; it is not a private food-calendar invention.
How people commonly observe Yom Kippur
- Many observant Jews keep an approximately 25-hour fast from before sundown until after nightfall the next day, with exceptions and guidance handled by medical need and community practice — this page does not prescribe who should fast.
- Synagogue services often begin with Kol Nidre on the eve and continue through the day; local schedules vary.
- Seeking forgiveness from other people is a widely described preparation and practice alongside prayer focused on atonement.
- White clothing is a common custom in many communities as a symbol of purity or solemnity — customs differ.
- Break-fast after nightfall ends the fast for those who fasted many communities also sound the shofar at the close of the day.
Answer-ready summary
Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement — is the holiest day in Judaism. In 2026 it begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, and ends after nightfall on Monday, September 21 (10 Tishrei). It is centered on fasting, prayer, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. It is not a U.S. federal holiday, and its date moves each year with the Hebrew calendar.
Facts
- Yom Kippur means 'Day of Atonement'
- It's the holiest day of the Jewish year
- Observant Jews fast for 25 hours
- The holiday concludes with a final shofar blast
- Many non-religious Jews observe Yom Kippur
Upcoming dates
- Monday, September 21, 2026
- Tuesday, September 21, 2027
- Thursday, September 21, 2028
- Friday, September 21, 2029
- Saturday, September 21, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Yom Kippur in 2026?
It begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and ends after nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026 (10 Tishrei).
Is today Yom Kippur?
No. Yom Kippur in 2026 falls on Monday, September 21, 2026, not today.
Does it begin the previous evening?
Yes. Like other Jewish holy days, Yom Kippur begins at sundown the evening before the main daytime date.
What is Yom Kippur?
It is the Day of Atonement, widely regarded as the holiest day in Judaism, centered on fasting, prayer, repentance, and seeking forgiveness.
Who started it?
There is no modern founder. The day has biblical roots and developed through Jewish religious history; it is not a private food-calendar invention.
How is it observed?
Common practices include fasting for those who fast, synagogue services (often including Kol Nidre), seeking forgiveness from others, and a break-fast after nightfall. Practices vary.
Is it a U.S. federal holiday?
No. It is a major Jewish holy day. It is not a U.S. federal paid holiday.
Share
Help others discover this day by sharing it.