Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, dedicated to introspection, prayer, and repentance. It is observed through a complete abstention from food and drink, including water, lasting approximately 25 hours. This extended fast elevates focus from physical needs to spiritual matters. The precise time of its conclusion is governed by centuries-old religious and astronomical criteria.
Calculating the Conclusion
The fast concludes based on the precise calculation of Tzait HaKochavim, a Hebrew term meaning “the going out of the stars.” This moment marks the official transition from the sacred day of Yom Kippur back to the regular week. The fast must continue past civil sunset, extending into deep twilight when the sky is dark enough for three medium-sized stars to be visible.
Because the end time relies on astronomical observation, it is specific to every location and date, not a fixed, universal hour. The precise time is affected by a location’s latitude and longitude, which dictates the angle of the sun below the horizon. Religious authorities use sophisticated astronomical formulas to calculate the exact moment the sun reaches a specific degree below the horizon, translating the traditional observation of three stars into a precise minute. This calculation generally places the fast’s conclusion 40 to 72 minutes after civil sunset, emphasizing that the fast continues well beyond sunset.
The End of the Fast
The fast typically spans 25 to 26 hours, beginning just before sunset on the eve of Yom Kippur and concluding the following night. To find the exact minute the fast ends, individuals must consult local Jewish community resources, as the time is calculated locally for every city. Reliable sources include local synagogue calendars, community websites, or specialized Jewish calendar apps that provide the precise Tzait HaKochavim time.
The day’s spiritual intensity culminates with the Ne’ilah prayer, which means “locking” or “closing,” symbolizing the final moments before the Gates of Heaven are sealed. This concluding service takes place in the late afternoon and leads directly into the moment the fast is over. The fast officially ends with the blowing of a single, long blast on the shofar, a ram’s horn. This ritual blast serves as the public signal that the Day of Atonement is complete and marks the close of the annual period of repentance.
The Break-Fast Meal
The conclusion of the fast shifts focus from spiritual devotion back to the physical world, commencing with the traditional break-fast meal. After more than a day without sustenance, the immediate priority is to carefully reintroduce hydration and nutrients to the digestive system. It is recommended to begin with small amounts of water, herbal tea, or fruit juice to replenish fluids before consuming any solid food.
The first solid foods should be light and easily digestible, such as crackers or toast, to ease the stomach back into action. Although the meal is celebratory, it is not a heavy dinner; it often resembles a breakfast, which is why it is called the break-fast. Traditional Ashkenazi menus often feature dairy or fish-based dishes. These include bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon or lox, egg salad, and noodle kugel. Sweet items like honey cake, symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead, are also a staple.