Yom Kippur begins at sunset: What you should know

The purpose of Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is to forgive others and repent of one's sins against God. Yom Kippur concludes the “10 Days of Atonement,” which began on October 2 with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Many Jews attend services in synagogues or other communities, reciting prayers and singing special songs. It is common for people to fast for 25 hours and not eat or drink from the night Yom Kippur begins until the night it ends.

Here's what you should know about Yom Kippur, including how it's celebrated, the traditions surrounding the holiday, and common greetings.

What common traditions are there on Yom Kippur?

Many Jewish families and communities gather before Yom Kippur and after it ends to eat festive meals together, prepare for the start of the fast, and break the fast together.