Yom Kippur: from sunset on 4 October to nightfall on 5 October

04/10/2022

Australian society includes people from different cultures, and the Bar Association is committed to supporting a Bar that reflects and is inclusive of that society’s diverse composition. Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is one of the most culturally significant Jewish holidays. It occurs annually on the 10th day of the seventh Jewish month of Tishrei and is primarily centred on atonement and repentance.

According to Jewish tradition, God inscribes each person's fate for the coming year into the Book of Life and waits until Yom Kippur to “seal” the verdict. During the Days of Awe, a Jew tries to amend their behaviour and seek forgiveness for wrongs done against both God and people and hopes to be forgiven by the end of Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur traditions include ascetic behaviour, five prayer services, fasting, sin confession (traditionally inside a synagogue) and wearing white clothing. Further details about Yom Kippur are available here.