vital information: Fwd: 13 things to do for a meaningful Yom Kippur ✍

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Fwd: 13 things to do for a meaningful Yom Kippur ✍

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Chabad.org <jewishlife@chabad.org>
Date: Thu, Sep 17, 2026, 4:15 PM
Subject: 13 things to do for a meaningful Yom Kippur ✍
To: agentemes4@gmail.com <agentemes4@gmail.com>

View Online Version

ב"ה

The Yom Kippur fast begins before sunset on September 20, 2026, and ends the following night.

Dear Mr. Chroman,

Yom Kippur is a day packed with emotion, memories, and reflection. And it’s also a joyous day, one of the two happiest days on the calendar (along with 15 Av).

Unencumbered by the trappings of mundane life, we soar upward to a place where we are one with G-d, one with our souls, and one with each other. Light and free, we see the bigger picture, where we can more easily recognize G-d’s kindness, our innate value as G-d’s creations, and His hand in directing events large and small toward the very best possible outcome.

May we all be blessed with the very best in this year ahead!

Wishing you a meaningful, easy—and joyous!—fast,

Your friends and family @ Chabad.org

13 things to do
before Yom Kippur

Brush Up on Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year with unique observances. How much do you know about this all-important fast day, when returning to G-d and repairing and resetting our relationship with Him is paramount?

» What You Need to Know About Yom Kippur Synagogue Services

» 15 Historical Events That Happened on Yom Kippur

Make Phone Calls

In times gone-by, we would send postcards to family and friends, wishing them a good year. Today, a phone call does the trick. This is the time to wish them a shanah tovah (“good year”) and also ask for forgiveness for anything hurtful you may have done or said.

» Get the Scoop on High Holiday Greetings in Hebrew and Yiddish

» A Bereaved Son’s Greatest Regret (and Gift)

» Send E-Greeting Cards to Friends and Family

3	Read a Letter of the Rebbe Before major holidays and festivals, the Rebbe would issue pastoral letters addressed to the “Sons and Daughters of Our People Israel, Everywhere.” That includes all of us! » Read: A Tishrei Message: An Incomplete World » Watch: One Day, One People

Bake (and Ask for) Honey Cake (“Lekach”)

There is a custom to symbolically beg for honey cake, expressing our wish that if it had been decreed, G‑d forbid, that this year we will resort to a handout, let this be it.

» “Lekach” Honey Cake

» Why Do We Beg for Honey Cake Before Yom Kippur?

Prepare for 2 (Actually 3) Meals

On the afternoon leading up to Yom Kippur, it is customary to eat two square meals, each one beginning with challah dipped in honey. Since you will have another festive meal after the fast ends the following night, make sure to make extras that you can whip out of the fridge as soon as the fast ends.

» Round Raisin Challah with Sweet Crumb Topping

» Why the Break Fast? It's Not (Just) Because We're Hungry!

6	Get the Fast Start and End Times This year, Yom Kippur starts before sundown on Sunday, September 20, and ends the following night after nightfall. Make sure to take note of the times the fast starts and ends in your area: » Yom Kippur Start & End Times

Give Additional Charity

The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are an opportune time to return to G-d and strengthen our connection to Him. One way to do this is through caring for His children. Donate to a charity of your choice, especially one that provides holiday foods and other essentials for those in need.

» 15 Tzedakah Facts Every Jew Should Know

8	Print Up Reading Material Twenty-five hours is a long time. Here is some of our favorite reading material to keep you occupied, alert, and inspired. » Jews Don't Repent » The 120-Day Version Of The Human Story » Browse Hundreds of More Articles Here

9	Kapparot Early in the morning before Yom Kippur, it is customary to perform Kapparot, either with a chicken, which is then subsequently donated to the poor, or with money, which is similarly designated for charity. » What Are Kapparot? *» Print the Kapparot* Text in English and Hebrew**

Set Out Your Candles

Even though no meals are held, Yom Kippur is a holiday, and our tables are draped in white, and holiday candles are lit right before the onset of the fast with a special blessing (we also light 24-hour candles, which you can read about here).

» Yom Kippur Candle Blessings

» When to Light Yom Kippur Candles

11	Take a Quiz Found everything you need, and feel ready for an inspiring Yom Kippur? Take our quizzes to see how well you know this special day. » Take the Yom Kippur Who Am I Quiz » Take the Yom Kippur True or False Quiz

Visit (or Write to) the Ohel

It is an ancient Jewish custom to visit the resting places of the righteous at this time of year. This year, the Ohel has drawn former hostages and their families, leaders from across the political spectrum, and thousands of “ordinary” people. If you cannot make it in person, you can also send a note to be placed there.

» Send a Letter to the Ohel

» Praying and Finding Solace at the Ohel

13	Get Your Sukkot Supplies The joyous holiday of Sukkot comes just 5 days after Yom Kippur. Now is the time to make sure that you will have a lulav and etrog to wave and a sukkah to dwell in. » Purchase a Lulav and Etrog Set » Purchase a Sukkah