Yom Kippur in Jerusalem: A Holy Day in a Holy City

Yom Kippur in Jerusalem is one of the most intense, yet quiet days in the city. Yom Kippur, meaning Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Traditionally, it is a day to fast and pray for atonement, and seek forgiveness for actions that may have hurt others. No matter one’s religion, culture or level of observance, it is one of the most unique and spiritual days to experience Jerusalem.

Like all Jewish holidays, Yom Kippur begins at sunset and lasts until nightfall the following day, lasting about 25 hours. Across Israel, including in Jerusalem, starting from the late afternoon before holiday begins, all stores, restaurants and business close, with only hospitals and other essential emergency services remaining open. All public transportation stops. Traffic completely ceases on most roads. Visitors to Jerusalem should be prepared for these closures, and make sure they have what they need before the holiday starts, and can walk anywhere they may need to; as even taxis will not be available unless there is an emergency. 

Songs of Prayer and Children Playing Fill the Empty Streets on Yom Kippur in Jerusalem

Those who observe the holiday and the fast usually partake in a festive meal in the afternoon before the holiday begins. Just before sunset, they light candles and recite a blessing, similar to how every sabbath is also ushered in. Synagogue services start as the sun is setting with the much-anticipated Kol Nidre prayer, sung in solemn tunes. Visitors can observe these prayers at the Western Wall, one of the most famous attractions in Jerusalem. Most hotels and local synagogues will also hold such services. The Inbal Hotel’s synagogue offers Yom Kippur services, as well as sabbath services and prayers on other Jewish holidays.

Whether or not they attend synagogue services, many Jerusalemites will spend the evening outside, walking around the quiet city, talking with neighbors or watching children play on the car-free streets. Yom Kippur night in Jerusalem is filled with the sounds of prayer, children playing and people’s voices in the streets. In fact, throughout the holiday, children, who are too young to fast, play and ride bikes and scooters, creating a festive atmosphere.

Synagogues Overflowing with Prayer

Many people spend the whole day of Yom Kippur in synagogue, as the prayers fill most of the hours. On Yom Kippur in Jerusalem, many public buildings, like schools, turn into synagogues, hosting prayer services. While it is best for those who want to Yom Kippur services in Jerusalem to make plans ahead of time, one can also easily find a place to pray while walking around the city. The prayer services end at nightfall, with the well-known Neilah service, which refers to the closing of the gates, or the spiritual sealing of the period when one can seek forgiveness. According to Jewish tradition, this period of forgiveness, when one’s fate is set for the year, begins ten days earlier, on Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year. Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, collectively, are known as the High Holidays, and draw many visitors to Jersulem.

The synagogue services and the holiday end with the blowing of the shofar, or ram’s horn. There is often great celebration and dancing, followed by a break-fast meal. 

The City Returns to Routine as Yom Kippur in Jerusalem Comes to an End

For those fasting in Jerusalem, it is best to make sure you have arrangements for a break-fast meal, as shops, restaurants and cafes will not usually open until a couple of hours after the fast ends. In the hours after the fast, the city gradually returns to routine, with traffic and public transportation resuming on the roads and some businesses opening. 

In some neighborhoods, there is a tradition to start building sukkot, the traditional huts people eat their meals and sleep in during the Sukkot holiday, which starts just a few days after the close of Yom Kippur. This means that the air is filled with the sounds of hammers and the hustle and bustle of setting up the sukkot in anticipation of the next holiday. Spending Yom Kippur in Jerusalem is no doubt a special and unforgettable experience. 

FAQs

When is Yom Kippur in Jerusalem? 

Yom Kippur is observed on the Hebrew date of the 10th of Tishrei and is the second of the High Holidays, which begin with Rosh HaShana. These holidays fall in September or October on the secular calendar.

Are things open on Yom Kippur in Jerusalem? 

No, most businesses, including shops and restaurants, are closed in the Jewish areas of the city. There is no public transportation, except for taxis in case of emergencies. Hospitals, police and emergency services remain open and on alert. Synagogues and outdoor areas like parks are open.

Can you visit the Western Wall on Yom Kippur in Jerusalem? 

Yes, with many Jews spending their day in prayer, the Western Wall is open. This is one of the most meaningful and unique days to visit the site. The Western Wall is within walking distance of the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem, as is the Great Synagogue, which also offers full prayer services.

Can you ride bikes in Jerusalem on Yom Kippur? 

Yes, with the streets closed to vehicular traffic, this is a popular day for riding bicycles in Jerusalem and throughout the country. It is especially popular among children, although adults also participate in this tradition.

What should you do on Yom Kippur in Jerusalem? 

Synagogues are open for prayer. The somber atmosphere can also be experienced at the Western Wall and the numerous pop-up synagogues and prayer minyans that meet in schools, parks and other public places. Simply walking around the city and observing the atmosphere is also an interesting and recommended experience.