Don't say 'Happy Yom Kippur': How to greet someone observing the Jewish Day of Atonement

[Behind the Aegis]

Yom Kippur, which is observed from sundown Tuesday to sundown Wednesday, is considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It’s a high holiday that follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

But it’s not exactly a “happy” holiday. So don’t tell someone “Happy Yom Kippur.”

“This isn’t a day of raucousness and partying,” says Becky Sobelman-Stern, the chief program officer at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. “Yom Kippur is not about being happy. It’s about thinking. It’s about self examination.”

Yom Kippur translates from Hebrew to English as Day of Atonement. Traditionally, Jews spend the holiday fasting and reflecting on sins committed over the past year.


Hebrew greeting for those celebrating Yom Kippur that reads "G'mar Chatima Tova."
© Teresa Lo

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“G’mar chatima tova” is the customary greeting on Yom Kippur. In English, it means “May you be sealed in the Book of Life.”

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[wryter2000]

1. If I can't pronounce that properly

Would "Have a blessed Yom Kippur" also be acceptable?

[Behind the Aegis]

2. It isn't frowned upon because most of us know what you mean.

However, it is usually more to the point of the holiday to say, "May you be inscribed in the Book of Life."

[wryter2000]

5. Thanks

I'll use the English version.

[Gore1FL]

3. I actually saw "Happy Yom Kippur" on a cake at the grocery store.

It took a whole to stop laughing.

[Behind the Aegis]

4. Almost as good that yearly Chanukkah Ham!

[onenote]

6. For the first time I can remember, a local grocery store had a Yom Kippur insert in its weekly ad.

Upon reflection, given that there is a big meal immediately before Yom Kippur begins and a "break fast" meal, often with family and friends, after it ends, the sale targeting Yom Kippur actually makes sense.

[JohnSJ]

7. Use the same greeting from Rosh Hashanah, Shana Tova. It still applies

[lindysalsagal]

8. You won't come across anyone who's celebrating Yom Kippur

Because the point is to spend the day at temple and home with family. No one who celebrates is looking for any notice from outside the family. That's the point of the day. Nothing to worry about.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

9. With other Jews, I tend to use "May you have an Easy Fast"