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Yom Kippur in Israel is a unique day! Alternately known as the Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is the most solemn and holy day of the Jewish calendar. Taking place every fall, ten days after Rosh Hashanah, it is a day in which Jewish people of all levels of religiousness, and Israel as a whole, come to a halt. It is a fast day lasting 25 hours. The festival begins at sundown with what is known as Kol Nidre and ends the following evening.
In 2026, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on September 20th and ends the following evening on September 21st.
What’s Yom Kippur in Israel Like?
Yom Kippur in Israel is the one day when normal life across Israel stops. All businesses close, including all restaurants and places of leisure. It’s the only day all year when Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s major airport, stops functioning, as does all public transport. Almost all private vehicles also stop so the roads become empty for the day, apart from the emergency vehicles, and children and adults riding bikes!
It is not legally forbidden to drive on Yom Kippur, however, almost all citizens (religious or secular) refrain from driving. There are virtually no cars on the road, therefore biking on Yom Kippur has become something of a tradition. It’s one of the best days to explore big cities like Tel Aviv by bike, and a truly unique experience to travel Israel’s vast highways on two wheels.
What To Do in Israel on Yom Kippur as a Tourist
Like Shabbat, there is no public transport in Israel on Yom Kippur, nor are there museums or cultural sites that are possible to visit. Within Israeli cities, the best option is to walk and observe the varying ways Jews across society mark this day. It’s a special experience to observe the peace and unbelievable tranquility of a country where nobody is moving. Try visiting a local synagogue to see how Israelis practice this special day.
While Israel completely shuts down on Yom Kippur, it’s a great opportunity to make the most of your time in the Middle East by heading down to a guided tour of Jordan. Our 3-Day Petra, Wadi Rum and Jordan Highlights Tour allows travelers to spend the days of Yom Kippur in Jordan and gets you back to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv in time for the weekend.
How To Get Food in Israel on Yom Kippur
Eating out during Yom Kippur in Israel can be difficult as most of the country is fasting. Almost all restaurants are closed for the fast day, and hotels and leisure services will have very limited staff around. It is highly unlikely that there will be fresh food or usual food service. Instead, there will likely be a limited buffet of simple, pre-prepared food available to those guests who want it. Remember that many guests and tourists will also fast.
Since the cities of Israel shut down for the holiday, it’s a good idea to check into a hotel so you can be comfortable during the fast day.
The best option for tourists who aren’t staying in a hotel is to prepare for the fast day by purchasing food the day before from a supermarket or restaurant. While it’s important to prepare in advance for Yom Kippur, Yom Kippur in Israel is an incredibly unique and special experience.
Traveling in Israel During the High Holidays
If you’re visiting Israel this fall, make sure to stay updated on exciting upcoming things to do in Israel in October 2026. Ultimately, the best option for those seeking to explore all of the remarkable regions in Israel, such as the old city of Jerusalem and the serene Negev Desert, is our Israel Package Tours. We book all your inclusive transfers, comfortable hotels, expert tour guides, and epic adventures, ensuring you have a stress-free, enjoyable trip of a lifetime.
