Overview

• Yom Kippur 2025 runs from sunset Oct. 1 to nightfall Oct. 2, with Haaretz listing city-specific times such as Jerusalem 5:44–6:59 p.m., Tel Aviv 6:04–7:01 p.m., New York 6:19–7:16 p.m., and Los Angeles 6:19–7:13 p.m.
• Synagogues are holding Kol Nidre and daylong services, with observance underway from San Diego to Northampton and concluding with a single, extended shofar blast.
• Core themes highlighted across guides and opinion pieces include fasting, prayer, teshuvah and communal confession, emphasizing accountability, forgiveness and moral renewal.
• Customs widely observed include avoiding leather shoes, wearing white, lighting memorial candles for deceased parents and sharing a break-fast meal that varies by community.
• Practical guidance addresses medical allowances for taking necessary medication, resources for those not attending synagogue such as online machzorim, and reports of increased security at some U.S. congregations.