Yom Kippur 2026: Everything you need to know about fasting times and customs
Today, Israel marks Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Throughout the day, the country halts its regular activities, and the atmosphere becomes quiet and unique across the entire land.
Fasting times vary from city to city. In Jerusalem, the fast begins at 17:58, in Tel Aviv it will start at 18:22, and in Haifa at 18:09. Residents of other cities are advised to check the exact times in their area to prepare accordingly.
The fast lasts for approximately 25 hours, during which eating and drinking are prohibited. Many in the Israeli public use this day for introspection, prayer in synagogues, or rest at home. In many cities, traffic on the roads ceases almost completely, and the streets fill with children and teenagers riding bicycles.
Yom Kippur is a day of family and community gathering. Despite the differences in lifestyle between secular and religious individuals, it is a day that affects the entire population in Israel, as public transportation services, flights, and businesses are shut down until the end of the fast.
We wish all the House of Israel a 'Gmar Chatima Tova' and an easy and meaningful fast to those who choose to fast.