Yom Kippur is the most important day of the year for the Jewish faith, ending the ten-day period of repentance and reflection known as the “High Holidays,” which began with Rosh Hashanah.

But what is Yom Kippur and how is it celebrated? Here’s everything you need to know:

What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is a holiday when Jewish people reflect on their sins and ask for forgiveness from God and those they have wronged.

When is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is celebrated from sunset on Friday, October 11 until after dusk on Saturday, October 12.

The holiday is observed on the 10th day of the year on the Hebrew calendar, with Rosh Hashanah being the Jewish New Year.

How is Yom Kippur celebrated?

Yom Kippur is usually celebrated with a day of reflection, prayer and fasting.

Followers of the Jewish faith attend religious services and do not eat from dusk to dusk. Young children and people who would be at medical risk from fasting are exempt.

When the Day of Atonement is over, a shofar horn is blown to mark the end of the fast and a festive meal is prepared to break the fast and rebuild the people’s strength.

What is a “shofar” horn?

A shofar horn is a musical instrument made with the horn of a ram.

In the Jewish faith, shofar horns have been used for centuries for various purposes, including proclaiming the Sabbath. In modern times, the shofar horn is also blown on Rosh Hashanah and every day during the month before the holiday.

What do people eat after fasting during Yom Kippur?

There is no specific meal that should be eaten after fasting on Yom Kippur, but people usually eat something easily digestible so as not to shock their systems after fasting.

A popular choice for a post-quick meal is a brunch-style menu, including bagels, lox, egg salad and noodle kugel.

How do people prepare for their Yom Kippur fast?

The fast on Yom Kippur lasts approximately 25 hours, during which time followers of the Jewish faith are not allowed to eat or drink anything, including water.

Most Jewish people eat a meat-heavy meal for lunch the day before Yom Kippur, followed by a “Seudat Mafseket,” or cessation meal, for dinner, which is high in carbohydrates and low in sodium.

The biggest challenge during fasting is dehydration. It is recommended to drink plenty of water before fasting and prepare for all-day fasting up to a week in advance.

What are some Yom Kippur greetings?

People celebrating Yom Kippur typically say the Hebrew saying to each other “Gemar chatimah tovah,” which translates to “A good final sealing.” It stems from the idea that on Yom Kippur their fate for the coming year will finally be sealed.

It is also customary to wish someone an easy fast.

However, it is not customary to wish someone a “Happy Yom Kippur”.