For Jewish people around the world, Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement—is the holiest and most solemn day of the year. It’s a time of deep introspection, spiritual cleansing, and heartfelt prayer. But while this day is sacred, it has also been marked by sorrow. Throughout history, Yom Kippur has coincided with acts of terror and anti-Semitism, casting a shadow over a day meant for peace and reconciliation.
Yom Kippur falls on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which typically corresponds to late September or early October (in 2025, it begins at sunset on October 1 and ends at nightfall on October 2). The holiday marks the culmination of the Ten Days of Awe, a period of reflection and repentance that begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. According to Jewish tradition, during these ten days, God opens the Book of Life and begins inscribing the fate of every person. Yom Kippur is the final opportunity to seek forgiveness and be “sealed” for a good year ahead.
The name “Yom Kippur” comes from the Hebrew words “Yom” (day) and “Kippur” (atonement). It’s a day dedicated to seeking forgiveness for sins committed against God and our fellow human beings. More than atonement, it is also a day about spiritual renewal and the hope to start fresh.
Preparation for Yom Kippur begins weeks in advance. During the month of Elul, which precedes Tishrei, Jews engage in self-examination, prayer, and acts of charity. Many communities recite special penitential prayers called selichot, often in the early morning or late at night, asking God for mercy and forgiveness.
In the days leading up to Yom Kippur, it’s customary to seek reconciliation with others. Judaism teaches that sins between people cannot be forgiven by God until the wronged party has been asked for forgiveness. This makes Yom Kippur not only a spiritual experience, but also a deeply interpersonal one.
Yom Kippur is observed with a 25-hour fast during which Jews abstain from food and drink from sunset to nightfall the next day. In addition to fasting, traditional observance includes refraining from bathing, wearing leather shoes, and engaging in marital relations. These acts of self-denial are meant to help worshippers focus entirely on their spiritual experience.
Most of the day is spent in synagogue, where five distinct prayer services are held. The liturgy includes confessions of sin (Vidui), pleas for forgiveness, and readings from the Book of Jonah—a story that emphasizes repentance and divine mercy.
The final service, Ne’ilah, is especially important. As the sun sets, the gates of heaven are said to be closing, and worshippers offer one last, heartfelt plea for forgiveness. The day ends with a long, single blast of the shofar (ram’s horn) symbolizing spiritual cleansing and renewal.
A Day of Peace, Marked by Tragedy
But despite its sacred nature, Yom Kippur has often coincided with tragedy. Several of the most devastating events in Jewish history have occurred on or around this holiest of days.
Forgiveness After the Golden Calf
According to Jewish tradition, Yom Kippur marks the day when God forgave the Israelites for the sin of worshiping the Golden Calf—a pivotal moment in the Bible. After Moses descended from Mount Sinai and saw the people bowing to the idol, he shattered the original tablets of the Ten Commandments in anger. He then returned to the mountain to plead with God for mercy on behalf of the people.
Forty days later, on the 10th of Tishrei—what would become Yom Kippur—God granted forgiveness and gave Moses a second set of tablets. This act of divine compassion established Yom Kippur as a day of atonement and reconciliation, reminding Jews that even grave mistakes can be redeemed through sincere repentance and prayer.
The Liquidation of the Warsaw Ghetto (1942)
One of the most haunting examples of tragedy on Yom Kippur occurred in 1942, during the Holocaust. That year saw the final phase of the liquidation of the Warsaw Ghetto—the largest Jewish ghetto in Nazi-occupied Europe.
Between July and September 1942, nearly 300,000 Jews were deported from the Warsaw Ghetto to the Treblinka extermination camp, where most were murdered upon arrival. The final days of this mass deportation campaign overlapped with Yom Kippur. Instead of gathering in synagogues to fast and pray, Jews were rounded up, forced into cattle cars, and sent to their deaths.
The Yom Kippur War (1973)
Perhaps the most infamous example is the Yom Kippur War, which began on October 6, 1973, the 10th of Tishrei in that year. On that Yom Kippur, Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel, catching the country off-guard as most citizens were observing the holiday in prayer and fasting.
The war lasted nearly three weeks and resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides. For Israelis, the trauma of being attacked on their holiest day remains deeply etched in the national memory. This war also led to significant political and military changes in the region and reshaped Israel’s approach to national security.
Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting (2018)
While not on Yom Kippur itself, the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh occurred during the Jewish High Holy Days season. On October 27, 2018, a gunman opened fire during Shabbat morning services, killing 11 worshippers and injuring six others. It was the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history.
The tragedy underscored the vulnerability of Jewish communities, even in places where they had long felt safe. It also prompted renewed calls for interfaith solidarity and protection of religious minorities.
Why These Events Matter
Each of these tragic events serves as a painful reminder that even holy days are not immune to hatred. And for Jewish communities, they reinforce the importance of vigilance, solidarity, and remembrance.
But these tragedies also highlight something deeper: the resilience of faith. Despite the risks, Jews continue to gather, pray, and fast on Yom Kippur. They continue to believe in the power of repentance, the possibility of renewal, and the hope of peace.
For those unfamiliar with Jewish traditions, Yom Kippur offers a profound lesson in humility, accountability, and grace. It’s a day that asks each person to confront their shortcomings—not with shame, but with sincerity. It’s a day that reminds us that forgiveness is possible, and that change begins with the heart.
Understanding Yom Kippur also means recognizing the challenges Jewish communities face. It means standing against anti-Semitism, supporting religious freedom, and honoring the sacred rhythms of faith.
Whether through learning, prayer, or acts of kindness, Gentiles can join in the spirit of Yom Kippur by reflecting on their own lives and standing in solidarity with their Jewish brothers and sisters. This October, learn how you can stand in solidarity with the Jewish people by participating in Flags of Fellowship.
As Yom Kippur approaches, let it be a moment to pause, to listen, and to learn. Let it be a time to honor those who have suffered, and to commit ourselves to a world where faith is protected, not persecuted.
The holiday is a reminder that even in the face of darkness, the light of repentance, compassion, and community can still shine.