Yom Kippur

Person wrapped in a white and gold prayer shawl, holding it close to their chest.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, falls ten days after Rosh Hashanah. When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, the High Priest effected atonement for the entire people through an elaborate ritual. Today, in the absence of the Temple, each of us stands, alone, together, naked as it were, before God. Yom Kippur is the dramatic culmination of the entire season of teshuvah, repentance. On Yom Kippur, Jews abstain from eating, drinking, bathing, sexual relations, and the wearing of leather (a sign of luxury) for 25 hours. Jews dress in white and traditionally spend most of the day in synagogue.

Latest Rituals

“We welcome those who join us virtually on these days”
person having online call or meeting with someone on the computer. live person is shown with hand as if gesturing in conversation. person on computer is smiling.
“Forgive me and help me to forgive myself and others”
white woman with eyes closed immersed in water, half her face submerged, smiling
“I propose that we add an element to the traditional tashlikh ceremony, symbolizing our power: fire.”
group of people sitting around bonfire under night sky, their faces glowing
“We may fast for many reasons / but on this day only one matters”
man holding book sitting on log appearing to be contemplative
“Will we, in the end, be as careful as he?”
ram on mountain in silhouette
bunch of pink impatiens
Finding forgiveness and self-compassion
Woman with red nail polish holding hands on chest, wearing a silver ring and a white shirt.
“May this be the year we choose / to live our lives fully”
Person walking on a path toward the sunrise, with a mountain in the background.
“may reflection, introspection and soul-searching / help us discover our sacred purpose”
a person stands on top of a cliff with arms outstretched looking out at a cloudy sky tinged with orange light
“We stand on the edge of possibility and loss”
A person walks on a foggy forest trail surrounded by tall trees and mist.

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Discover how Jewish folklore and personal memory can spark new poetry—join this creative immersion with poet Susan Comninos. 

Give voice to your own stories through the timeless power of myth and writing.

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network