The highest of Judaism’s holy days, Yom Kippur, is a day of atonement. Jews believe it is on this day that God decides each person’s fate. Jewish people observe Yom Kippur with a 25-hour fast and intensive prayer at a special synagogue service as they ask God for the forgiveness of their sins committed over the past year.  

In the Jewish faith, it is believed that shortly after the Israelites fled Egypt, they worshiped a golden calf, which is a sin. This led Moses to climb Mt. Sinai to beg for God’s forgiveness for the Israelites. It was granted after two 40-day periods atop the mountain. Yom Kippur recognizes the day that Moses descended the mountain upon achieving the Divine Favor for his people. 

In 2024, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Friday, October 11, and ends at nightfall the following evening, October 12. Since Yom Kippur is the most solemn day, Jewish people also do not go to work or school. Using anything electronic is prohibited and they don’t even use water to bathe, drink or brush their teeth. At the end of Yom Kippur, Jewish families gather for a celebratory meal to break their fast. 

When greeting a friend during Yom Kippur, please wish them a meaningful Yom Kippur, a good holy day, or an easy fast.  

Try this favorite Yom Kippur recipe: 

Speedy Vegan Challah  

Ingredients 

300 grams Strong White Flour 

7 grams Instant Dry Yeast  (1 sachet) 

½ teaspoon Salt 

2 tablespoons Sugar 

3 tablespoo Olive Oil 

150 milliliters Warm Water 

4 tablespoons Plant-Based Milk  (I used oat milk, optional) 

4 tablespoons Seeds Of Your Choice  (optional) 

 

Directions  

  • Weigh out all ingredients including dry yeast straight into the mixer. Turn it on and mix for 10 minutes.  
  • Cover the bowl and put in a warm place. Put mixer away, wipe down surfaces, line baking sheets etc. 10 minutes (or less). 
  • Remove dough from bowl, knead very briefly. Cut into two roughly equal pieces. Divide and shape each piece into a challah. Transfer to baking sheet. 15 minutes.  
  • Set oven to 200°C. Brush loaves with plant-based milk and sprinkle with seeds while oven heats up. 10 minutes.  
  • Bake challah for 15 minutes. 
  • Total time: 60 minutes