The solemn Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur in 2025 begins at sundown on Wednesday, Oct. 1, with San Diego-area congregations holding Kol Nidre services.
Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew. It is a time of fasting, prayer and repentance marking the end of the annual 10-day high holy days period beginning with Rosh Hashanah, the start of a new year.
Observance begins at sundown because the ancient Jewish calendar is based on phases of the moon.
Kol Nidre, or “all vows,” is the name of the opening prayer. In many congregations, the prayer is accompanied by performance of a plaintive melody, usually played on a cello.
Yom Kippur prayers atone for sins against God, but not for sins against people. For those sins, according to Jewish law, one has to ask the individuals who were hurt for forgiveness.
Many Jews fast over the 24-hour period of Yom Kippur and then attend a celebratory feast.
Yom Kippur ends with a single, long blast of the shofar, an ancient musical instrument made from a ram’s horn.
The 2025 high holy days come amid increased security at many synagogues because of concerns about rising antisemitism in the United States.
The San Diego Police Department announced it will be on heightened alert against any potential threats to the Jewish community.
“As always, when it comes to Yom Kippur, or any other significant event, we will conduct extra patrols in the areas where there are places of worship,” said Lt. Travis Easter said Tuesday afternoon.
“This is custom and even more relevant in light of the recent attacks on places of worship in Michigan,” he said. “We want to do our best to keep our community members safe and afford them the opportunity to express their form of worship in peace.”
