Celebrated Today
Modern Yom Kippur is a day of fasting, prayer and repentance.
The fast lasts from before sunset until nightfall the following day. Traditional observance includes avoiding food and drink. Other physical comforts are also set aside.
Many worshipers spend much of the day in the synagogue. The services contain prayers of confession that are spoken by the community together.
The evening service begins with the well-known Kol Nidre prayer. The following day includes several services and extended periods of prayer.
The ancient Temple ceremony is remembered during the Avodah service. Worshipers hear a description of the work once performed by the high priest.
Yom Kippur ends with the Neilah service. A final sounding of the shofar traditionally marks the conclusion of the fast.