🕊️ Yom Kippur יוֹם כִּפּוּר
September or October Ages 4–11
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year — a day to say sorry, forgive others and start fresh.
💬 Say: G’mar Chatimah Tovah — May you be sealed for a good year
📅 When is Yom Kippur?
| 2026 | Begins at sundown on Sun, Sep 20, 2026 · ends at nightfall the next day |
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| 2027 | Begins at sundown on Sun, Oct 10, 2027 · ends at nightfall the next day |
| 2028 | Begins at sundown on Fri, Sep 29, 2028 · ends at nightfall the next day |
Jewish days begin at sundown. Dates follow the calendar used outside Israel; some holidays are a day shorter in Israel.
📖 The story
On Yom Kippur, Jewish people think about the mistakes they made during the year and how to fix them. Before the holiday it is a custom to say sorry to people we may have hurt — and to forgive people who say sorry to us.
Many Jewish adults fast (don’t eat or drink) for about 25 hours and spend the day praying in the synagogue. Children are not expected to fast; kids can mark the day by being extra kind, quiet and thoughtful. Many people wear white as a sign of a clean, new start.
In the afternoon, the Book of Jonah is read — the story of a prophet who ran away, was swallowed by a big fish and got a second chance. At the very end of the day, one long blast of the shofar is blown, and families gather to "break the fast" together.
✨ How we celebrate
- Saying sorry and forgiving
- Fasting (for adults)
- Wearing white
- Reading the story of Jonah
- One long shofar blast at the end
- A break-fast meal with family
🔤 Hebrew words to learn
| sorry | סְלִיחָה |
| heart | לֵב |
| peace | שָׁלוֹם |
| forgive | לִסְלֹחַ |
🙏 A blessing: Shehecheyanu
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Say it: Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, shehecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigianu lazman hazeh.
It means: Blessed are You, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this time.
Part of welcoming the holy day. Local services guide when it is said.
✂️ Crafts & activities
My "Fresh Start" Dove
You need: White paper, Pencil, Scissors, String
- Trace your hand on white paper — the thumb is the dove’s head and the fingers are its wings.
- Cut it out and draw an eye and an olive branch.
- Write one way you will make peace this year and hang your dove.
🖍️ Yom Kippur coloring pages
Yom Kippur quiz
What does Yom Kippur mean?
What is a good thing to do before Yom Kippur?
Which story is read on Yom Kippur afternoon?
What color do many people wear on Yom Kippur?
How does Yom Kippur end?
💭 Let’s talk
How does it feel when someone says sorry to you? How can you make a real apology?
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