Yom Kippur 2027
Yom Kippur 2027 begins at sundown on Sunday, October 10, 2027 (in 363 days). Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is not a federal holiday.
- Date
- Sunday, October 10, 2027
- Countdown
- In 363 days
- Federal holiday
- No
- Date rule
- Begins at sundown before 10 Tishrei (Hebrew calendar)
- Possible dates
- September 13 to October 13 (first evening)
- Next occurrence
- Friday, September 29, 2028
Yom Kippur dates by year
| Year | Date | Weekday | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 20, 2026 | Sunday | 22 days ago |
| 2027 | October 10, 2027 | Sunday | in 363 days |
| 2028 | September 29, 2028 | Friday | in 23 months |
| 2029 | September 18, 2029 | Tuesday | in 2 years |
| 2030 | October 6, 2030 | Sunday | in 3 years |
| 2031 | September 26, 2031 | Friday | in 4 years |
| 2032 | September 14, 2032 | Tuesday | in 5 years |
| 2033 | October 2, 2033 | Sunday | in 6 years |
| 2034 | September 22, 2034 | Friday | in 7 years |
| 2035 | October 12, 2035 | Friday | in 9 years |
Dates are calculated from the rule shown above, not copied from a list, so they stay correct for any year. See everything else happening that month in the calendar for October 2027.
How the date of Yom Kippur is set
Yom Kippur is on 10 Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar, nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah. A Jewish day starts at sunset, so the holiday begins at nightfall on the evening of 9 Tishrei. This calendar lists that first evening, and the day of Yom Kippur itself is the next day. The first evening falls between September 13 and October 13 in the Gregorian calendar. In 2028 Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Friday, September 29, 2028.
How Yom Kippur is observed
Observant Jews fast for about 25 hours, from before sundown on the first evening until nightfall the next day, and spend much of the time in prayer. The services begin with Kol Nidre on the evening and end with Neilah and a long blast of the shofar. The fast also means no washing for pleasure, no leather shoes, and no marital relations.
The Ten Days of Repentance
Yom Kippur is the last day of the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. During this period Jews are asked to reflect on the past year, ask forgiveness from people they have wronged and make amends. Jewish tradition teaches that Yom Kippur atones for sins against God, while sins against other people must first be settled with those people. Many worshippers wear white, a symbol of purity.
The Book of Jonah and the end of the fast
At the afternoon service the Book of Jonah is read, the story of a prophet who tries to avoid his mission, and in many communities the Yizkor memorial prayers are said. The fast ends after Neilah, the closing service, and families and congregations gather for a meal to break the fast.
Yom Kippur in history
In 1965 the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax, who was Jewish, did not pitch the first game of the World Series because it was played on Yom Kippur. The 1973 Arab-Israeli war, known as the Yom Kippur War, began on October 6, 1973, when Egypt and Syria attacked Israel on the holy day.
Yom Kippur in the United States
Yom Kippur is not a federal holiday, and the stock exchanges are open. Some public school districts with large Jewish communities, including New York City's, close for the day. Federal employees can request leave or flexible hours for religious observance, and private employers set their own policies.
Frequently asked questions about Yom Kippur
When is Yom Kippur 2027?
Yom Kippur 2027 is on Sunday, October 10, 2027.
When is Yom Kippur 2028?
Yom Kippur 2028 is on Friday, September 29, 2028.
Why does Yom Kippur change every year?
The Hebrew calendar follows the moon and the sun, so the same Hebrew date moves around the Gregorian calendar, within a window of about a month.
Is Yom Kippur a federal holiday?
No. Federal offices and the stock exchanges are open, but some schools and many Jewish-owned businesses close.
Why does this calendar show the evening before?
Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the day before. The calendar lists the date of the first evening.