Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day dedicated to fasting, prayer, repentance, self-reflection and seeking forgiveness. Observed on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, Yom Kippur comes 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. In 2026, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Sunday, September 20, and concludes after nightfall on Monday, September 21.<h2>What does Yom Kippur mean?</h2>The Hebrew name Yom Kippur translates to ‘Day of Atonement’. The day is centred on acknowledging wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness and making a commitment towards spiritual and personal change. Jewish tradition places particular emphasis on making amends with other people. The period is not only about asking God for forgiveness but also about recognising wrongs committed against others and seeking reconciliation where possible. Yom Kippur marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Repentance, which begin with Rosh Hashanah. According to Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah begins a period of judgment, while Yom Kippur is associated with the sealing of the divine judgment for the coming year.<h2>Why is Yom Kippur observed?</h2>Yom Kippur has its roots in the biblical tradition of atonement. According to Jewish tradition, it is associated with the forgiveness granted to the Israelites following the sin of the Golden Calf. In ancient times, Yom Kippur was observed at the Temple in Jerusalem, where the High Priest performed special rituals and offerings on behalf of the people. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the observance evolved around prayer, fasting, repentance and synagogue services rather than Temple sacrifices. The central purpose remains spiritual reflection: people are encouraged to examine their actions over the previous year, acknowledge their shortcomings and seek forgiveness.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ice-shooting-in-texas-leaves-man-seriously-injured-officials-demand-independent-investigation-and-transparency-1789955186353">ICE shooting in Texas leaves man seriously injured; officials demand independent investigation and transparency</a><h2>Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur?</h2>Fasting is one of the best-known traditions associated with Yom Kippur. The fast generally lasts around 25 hours, beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall the following day. The fast is intended to shift attention away from physical needs and towards prayer, repentance and spiritual reflection. Traditional observance also involves abstaining from several other physical comforts, including bathing or washing, applying lotions or creams, wearing leather footwear and marital relations. Fasting requirements can differ depending on circumstances and Jewish tradition, and people who are medically unable to fast are generally expected to prioritise their health and seek appropriate religious guidance.<h2>How is Yom Kippur observed?</h2>Much of Yom Kippur is spent in prayer and synagogue services. Among the best-known services is Kol Nidrei, held on the eve of Yom Kippur. Other major prayers and services take place throughout the day, culminating in Neilah, the closing service. Yom Kippur traditionally ends with a blast of the shofar, a ram's-horn instrument. The day is also marked by introspection and confession. Worshippers reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness from God and from people they may have wronged.<h2>What happens after Yom Kippur?</h2>After the fast ends, many Jewish families and communities gather for a meal. Although Yom Kippur is characterised by solemn prayer and fasting, Jewish tradition also connects the day with the possibility of forgiveness and renewal. A common greeting associated with Yom Kippur is “G'mar chatimah tovah,” often understood as a wish for someone to be sealed for a good year. “Have an easy fast” is another common expression used around the holiday.&nbsp;Ultimately, Yom Kippur is less about celebration in the conventional sense and more about atonement, accountability, forgiveness and spiritual renewal. It provides a designated time for individuals and communities to look back on the past year and consider how they can make amends and begin the year ahead with a renewed sense of purpose.

Yom Kippur 2026 explained: Learn what the Jewish Day of Atonement means, why it is observed, why Jews fast and the traditions behind the holy day

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day dedicated to fasting, prayer, repentance, self-reflection and seeking forgiveness. Observed on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, Yom Kippur comes 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. In 2026, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Sunday, September 20, and concludes after nightfall on Monday, September 21. What does Yom Kippur mean? The Hebrew name Yom Kippur translates to ‘Day of Atonement’. The day is centred on acknowledging wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness and making a commitment towards spiritual and personal change. Jewish tradition places particular emphasis on making amends with other people. The period is not only about asking God for forgiveness but also about recognising wrongs committed against others and seeking reconciliation where possible. Yom Kippur marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Repentance, which begin with Rosh Hashanah. According to Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah begins a period of judgment, while Yom Kippur is associated with the sealing of the divine judgment for the coming year. Why is Yom Kippur observed? Yom Kippur has its roots in the biblical tradition of atonement. According to Jewish tradition, it is associated with the forgiveness granted to the Israelites following the sin of the Golden Calf. In ancient times, Yom Kippur was observed at the Temple in Jerusalem, where the High Priest performed special rituals and offerings on behalf of the people. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the observance evolved around prayer, fasting, repentance and synagogue services rather than Temple sacrifices. The central purpose remains spiritual reflection: people are encouraged to examine their actions over the previous year, acknowledge their shortcomings and seek forgiveness. Also Read: ICE shooting in Texas leaves man seriously injured; officials demand independent investigation and transparency Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur? Fasting is one of the best-known traditions associated with Yom Kippur. The fast generally lasts around 25 hours, beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall the following day. The fast is intended to shift attention away from physical needs and towards prayer, repentance and spiritual reflection. Traditional observance also involves abstaining from several other physical comforts, including bathing or washing, applying lotions or creams, wearing leather footwear and marital relations. Fasting requirements can differ depending on circumstances and Jewish tradition, and people who are medically unable to fast are generally expected to prioritise their health and seek appropriate religious guidance. How is Yom Kippur observed? Much of Yom Kippur is spent in prayer and synagogue services. Among the best-known services is Kol Nidrei, held on the eve of Yom Kippur. Other major prayers and services take place throughout the day, culminating in Neilah, the closing service. Yom Kippur traditionally ends with a blast of the shofar, a ram's-horn instrument. The day is also marked by introspection and confession. Worshippers reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness from God and from people they may have wronged. What happens after Yom Kippur? After the fast ends, many Jewish families and communities gather for a meal. Although Yom Kippur is characterised by solemn prayer and fasting, Jewish tradition also connects the day with the possibility of forgiveness and renewal. A common greeting associated with Yom Kippur is “G'mar chatimah tovah,” often understood as a wish for someone to be sealed for a good year. “Have an easy fast” is another common expression used around the holiday. Ultimately, Yom Kippur is less about celebration in the conventional sense and more about atonement, accountability, forgiveness and spiritual renewal. It provides a designated time for individuals and communities to look back on the past year and consider how they can make amends and begin the year ahead with a renewed sense of purpose.

Yom Kippur 2026 explained: Know the meaning, history, fasting rules, prayers and significance of Judaism’s holiest day

What is Yom Kippur and why is it celebrated? All you need to know about the Jewish Day of Atonement

An Israeli man was killed in a shooting at a natural spring near the West Bank settlement of Halamish on Sunday morning, said the police while terming the incident a terror attack. The security forces later arrested the attacker, a Palestinian, from a hospital.&nbsp;The Israeli man, in his 30s, had been inside his car at a natural spring in the area when the Palestinian gunman opened fire on bathers and fled. The man, who was seriously injured with gunshot wounds, was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;A soldier operating near the scene had arrived at the location soon after the attack and opened fire on the gunman as he fled, injuring him.&nbsp;IDF commandos later captured the Palestinian terrorist after locating him at a hospital in the Ramallah area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⭕️ IDF soldiers apprehended the terrorist who carried out the shooting attack in Neve Tzuf area. Minutes after the shooting, a soldier who was operating near the scene arrived at the location and fired at the terrorist. As a result, the terrorist was injured and fled the scene.… <a href="https://t.co/Or2gJnLtVU">https://t.co/Or2gJnLtVU</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://x.com/IDF/status/2101637219760869852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Israel Ganz, the head of the Benjamin Regional Council, said the Israelis targeted in a terror attack at the natural spring were there to immerse in the waters ahead of the Yom Kippur fast this evening, a traditional practice before the Day of Atonement.Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Regional Council, said, “The State of Israel must go from defence to offence and restore deterrence and security for residents.” The Palestinian terrorist had opened fire from a vehicle, then got out of the car and fled on foot, still armed. IDF troops, including special forces, launched a manhunt for the gunman and also used drones. Avigdor Liberman, chair of the hawkish Yisrael Beytenu party, reacted to the shooting incident and wrote on X, “We must impose a heavy cost — there is no forgiveness for terrorism.” Former prime minister Naftali Bennett, who heads the opposition B’Yachad party, said in a post, “Israelis need to be safe everywhere in our land. We must get to the terrorist and those who sent him, and eradicate terrorism with an iron fist.” Gadi Eisenkot, chair of the Yashar party, said that “the entire nation’s heart aches at this difficult time,” and added, “We will continue to pursue those who seek our harm, everywhere and at all times.”

The Palestinian terrorist opened fire from a vehicle, then got out of the car and fled on foot. IDF troops, including special forces, launched a manhunt for the gunman and captured him at a hospital in the Ramallah area.

An Israeli man was killed in a shooting at a natural spring near the West Bank settlement of Halamish on Sunday morning, said the police while terming the incident a terror attack. The security forces later arrested the attacker, a Palestinian, from a hospital. The Israeli man, in his 30s, had been inside his car at a natural spring in the area when the Palestinian gunman opened fire on bathers and fled. The man, who was seriously injured with gunshot wounds, was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A soldier operating near the scene had arrived at the location soon after the attack and opened fire on the gunman as he fled, injuring him. IDF commandos later captured the Palestinian terrorist after locating him at a hospital in the Ramallah area.

The Palestinian terrorist opened fire from a vehicle, then got out of the car and fled on foot. IDF troops, including special forces, launched a manhunt for the gunman and captured him at a hospital in the Ramallah area.

Israeli man shot dead in West Bank terror attack; IDF captures shooter from hospital

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was undergoing medical assessments in an Israeli&nbsp; hospital on Saturday but was in good condition, his office said, with local&nbsp;media&nbsp;seeing no grounds for a handover of power.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, 73, was fully conscious en route Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, and walked into the emergency room, Israel's Channel 12 TV said, quoting the premier's doctor.

He was not undergoing sedation and no procedures were under way to declare him incapacitated, Channel 12 said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-judicial-reforms-testing-times-for-netanyahu-as-countrywide-protests-expand-613551">Israel judicial reforms: Testing times for Netanyahu as countrywide protests expand</a>

Tel Hashomer is close to coastal Caesarea, where Netanyahu has a private residence.&nbsp; Israeli&nbsp;media&nbsp;said he was there when he reported feeling unwell.

Netanyahu took ill during the Jewish fast of Yom Kippur in early October and was briefly hospitalised. Israel has been in the grip of a weekend heatwave.&nbsp;

The veteran conservative leader is also in the eye of a political storm over his plan to overhaul the judiciary, which has set off unprecedented protests by&nbsp;Israelis worried for the future independence of the courts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-hurt-four-seriously-after-terrorist-rams-car-stabs-people-in-israels-tel-aviv-611835">Seven hurt, four seriously, after 'terrorist' rams car, stabs people in Israel's Tel Aviv</a>

That has compounded tensions with the U.S. administration over his religious-nationalist coalition government's hardline tack on the Palestinians. In parallel, Netanyahu has been on trial in three corruption cases in which he denies wrongdoing.

A brief statement from his office confirmed he was at Sheba and said he was in good condition undergoing medical assessment.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was undergoing medical assessments in an Israeli hospital on Saturday but was in good condition, his office said, with local media seeing no grounds for a handover of power.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was undergoing medical assessments in an Israeli hospital on Saturday but was in good condition, his office said, with local media seeing no grounds for a handover of power. Netanyahu, 73, was fully conscious en route Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, and walked into the emergency room, Israel's Channel 12 TV said, quoting the premier's doctor. He was not undergoing sedation and no procedures were under way to declare him incapacitated, Channel 12 said. Also read | Israel judicial reforms: Testing times for Netanyahu as countrywide protests expand Tel Hashomer is close to coastal Caesarea, where Netanyahu has a private residence. Israeli media said he was there when he reported feeling unwell. Netanyahu took ill during the Jewish fast of Yom Kippur in early October and was briefly hospitalised. Israel has been in the grip of a weekend heatwave. The veteran conservative leader is also in the eye of a political storm over his plan to overhaul the judiciary, which has set off unprecedented protests by Israelis worried for the future independence of the courts. Also read | Seven hurt, four seriously, after 'terrorist' rams car, stabs people in Israel's Tel Aviv That has compounded tensions with the U.S. administration over his religious-nationalist coalition government's hardline tack on the Palestinians. In parallel, Netanyahu has been on trial in three corruption cases in which he denies wrongdoing. A brief statement from his office confirmed he was at Sheba and said he was in good condition undergoing medical assessment. WATCH WION LIVE HERE :

Israel's Netanyahu hospitalised but fine, his office says

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate.

The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations.&nbsp;

"Over the past two days, we've heard from experts that if we don't take immediate and harsh measures, we'll reach an abyss," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday, at the start of a cabinet meeting to thrash out the new measures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-becomes-first-country-in-world-to-impose-second-national-lockdown-327306">Also read:&nbsp;Israel becomes first country in world to impose second national lockdown</a>&nbsp;

The government's latest move comes as the country is poised to enter the second week of a three-week lockdown imposed last Friday, which included the closure of schools and restrictions on work and leisure.

Under the new measures set to be approved in parliament later Thursday, synagogues will only be allowed to open on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday which begins Sunday afternoon.

At other times, only outdoor prayer will be allowed with a maximum of 20 people attending. The same restrictions have been applied to demonstrations.

"To save the lives of Israel's citizens we need to impose a full lockdown now for two weeks," Netanyahu said.

"This is also necessary for the economy. Whoever thinks we can work with a raging pandemic, with death and infections rising, without it affecting the economy, is wrong."

A decision on whether to close Ben Gurion international airport outside Tel Aviv will be made later on Thursday, the government said.

Israel has the world's highest coronavirus infection rate as a proportion of its population, according to an AFP tally of the past fortnight.

More than 200,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded, with 1,335 deaths, out of a population of nine million.

Netanyahu has faced fierce criticism from opposition politicians, who accuse him of tightening the rules to put an end to weeks of protest outside his Jerusalem residence.

Ayelet Shaked, a lawmaker with the far-right Yamina party, said the new rules are "destructive and unreasonable".

"Because of the demonstrations, they're pushing hundreds of thousands of people to unemployment and crushing the economy," she said in a statement.

Shaked said she will push to change the measures when they come before a parliamentary committee for approval later on Thursday.&nbsp;

Israel's health ministry registered 6,808 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, out of 54,364 tests processed.

Some hospitals have reached capacity and are having to turn people away, with some patients forced to wait for hours in ambulances, according to the emergency medical service Magen David Adom.

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate.

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate. The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations. "Over the past two days, we've heard from experts that if we don't take immediate and harsh measures, we'll reach an abyss," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday, at the start of a cabinet meeting to thrash out the new measures. Also read: Israel becomes first country in world to impose second national lockdown The government's latest move comes as the country is poised to enter the second week of a three-week lockdown imposed last Friday, which included the closure of schools and restrictions on work and leisure. Under the new measures set to be approved in parliament later Thursday, synagogues will only be allowed to open on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday which begins Sunday afternoon. At other times, only outdoor prayer will be allowed with a maximum of 20 people attending. The same restrictions have been applied to demonstrations. "To save the lives of Israel's citizens we need to impose a full lockdown now for two weeks," Netanyahu said. "This is also necessary for the economy. Whoever thinks we can work with a raging pandemic, with death and infections rising, without it affecting the economy, is wrong." A decision on whether to close Ben Gurion international airport outside Tel Aviv will be made later on Thursday, the government said. Israel has the world's highest coronavirus infection rate as a proportion of its population, according to an AFP tally of the past fortnight. More than 200,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded, with 1,335 deaths, out of a population of nine million. Netanyahu has faced fierce criticism from opposition politicians, who accuse him of tightening the rules to put an end to weeks of protest outside his Jerusalem residence. Ayelet Shaked, a lawmaker with the far-right Yamina party, said the new rules are "destructive and unreasonable". "Because of the demonstrations, they're pushing hundreds of thousands of people to unemployment and crushing the economy," she said in a statement. Shaked said she will push to change the measures when they come before a parliamentary committee for approval later on Thursday. Israel's health ministry registered 6,808 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, out of 54,364 tests processed. Some hospitals have reached capacity and are having to turn people away, with some patients forced to wait for hours in ambulances, according to the emergency medical service Magen David Adom.

Israel toughens second lockdown as virus cases surge

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What is Yom Kippur and why is it celebrated? All you need to know about the Jewish Day of Atonement

Israeli man shot dead in West Bank terror attack; shooter captured from hospital

Israel's Netanyahu hospitalised but fine, his office says

Israel toughens second lockdown as virus cases surge