Yom Kippur is part of the Jewish high holy days, but you shouldn’t tell someone “Happy Yom Kippur.” Here’s what you need to know about the somber commemoration.
It marks the end of the “Days of Awe,” a 10-day period that begins on Rosh Hashanah, the other main High Holy Day which celebrates the Jewish New Year.
Yom Kippur in English means “Day of Atonement” and focuses on repentance and asking forgiveness for wrongs that may have been committed over the past year.
Jewish adults observing the holiday typically will fast for around 25 hours (starting at sundown the night before). However, Jewish teaching explains that anyone whose health may be at risk by fasting is exempt and should still eat and drink water on Yom Kippur.
The Jewish calendaris based primarily on the moon and the Gregorian calendar is based on the sun, which is why it can feel like the holidays are sometimes …