Yom Kippur, or the “Day of Atonement,” is the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year, with an emphasis on atonement, repentance, and forgiveness. Unlike many other Jewish holidays celebrated by eating seemingly endless amounts of food, Yom Kippur is observed with a 25-hour period of fasting - no food or drink - and synagogue services. For tourists, Yom Kippur is an interesting experience. There are no radio or television broadcasts. There is no public transportation and all shops and businesses are closed. Instead of seeing it as an inconvenience of sorts, prepare in advance so you can take this unique opportunity to watch an entire city – and such a bustling one at that – come to a complete standstill.
Yom Kippur in Jerusalem 2023
This year Yom Kippur begins on the eve of Sunday, September 24, and ends at night on Monday, September 25. There aren't any events on the day itself, but there's a lot to experience in the days leading up to and around it.
Holidays in Jerusalem
A few suggestions for Yom Kippur in Jerusalem
If you are in the city for Yom Kippur, take the opportunity to feel the city at a peaceful standstill with holiness in the air. Here are some of our favorite ways to experience this special holiday...
Take a walk... wherever you want
Walk in the middle of the city’s main roads. Try to find one car driving (besides emergency vehicles) and watch as large numbers of children take advantage of the lack of cars by riding their bicycles along Jerusalem’s main thoroughfares.
Prayer services
Check out a synagogue, such as the famous Great Synagogue, or head to the Western Wall (the Kotel). Even if you aren’t familiar with the prayer services, it will be a wonderful experience. Please note though, you may need to stand at the back as synagogues are usually packed on the holiday.
Dress in white
If you have white clothing in your suitcase, wearing it may be a fun experience. On Yom Kippur, the city becomes a “sea of white” as it is traditional to wear white clothing to symbolize the cleansing of one's sins on this day.
Photos by Enno Raschke