Yom Kippur—known as the Day of Atonement—is one of the most sacred days in the Jewish calendar. In 2025, it begins at sundown on Sunday, October 5, and ends at nightfall on Monday, October 6. For many Jewish people, this 25-hour period is dedicated to fasting, prayer, and deep reflection. It’s a solemn and profoundly meaningful holiday, centered on making amends, seeking forgiveness, and setting intentions for the year ahead.
The Heart of Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and concludes the “Ten Days of Awe,” a period of introspection and repentance. Observance often includes:
- Fasting from food and drink for the full 25 hours (unless health conditions require otherwise)
- Attending synagogue services that include special prayers and rituals, such as the Kol Nidre and the Neilah service
- Reflecting and making amends—repairing relationships and focusing on spiritual renewal
The day’s message is universal: acknowledging where we’ve fallen short, taking responsibility, and making changes that better align our actions with our values.
Supporting Yom Kippur Observance in the Workplace
Even if your organization doesn’t officially close for Yom Kippur, there are respectful ways to recognize and support employees who observe:
- Offer Flexibility – Allow time off without unnecessary hurdles. Many employees may request to leave early before sundown or take the day off entirely.
- Be Mindful of Scheduling – Avoid scheduling key meetings, deadlines, or events during Yom Kippur.
- Understand the Impact of Fasting – Those fasting may have lower physical energy or prefer to avoid food-centered gatherings during this period.
- Respect the Day’s Focus – Yom Kippur is a solemn time. A simple “Have an easy fast” or “G’mar Chatima Tova” (“May you be sealed in the Book of Life”) can be a thoughtful acknowledgment.
Bringing the Spirit of Yom Kippur to Organizational Culture
While Yom Kippur is a religious observance, its themes—reflection, responsibility, and renewal—offer valuable lessons for any workplace:
- Reflect – Regularly assess policies, practices, and team dynamics to ensure they align with your organization’s mission and values.
- Repair – Address conflicts directly, offer timely feedback, and rebuild trust where it’s been strained.
- Renew – Start fresh with clearer goals, stronger collaboration, and a shared commitment to improvement.
Final Thought
Acknowledging Yom Kippur in the workplace is about more than honoring a holiday—it’s about respecting the diverse traditions that shape our colleagues’ lives and finding ways to make our workplaces more inclusive.
When we give space for observance and reflection, we strengthen not just our relationships with individuals, but the health and resilience of the organization as a whole.