Discover a Jewish tradition
🕊️ Yom Kippur for kids
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, a time to reflect, ask forgiveness and try to repair hurt we have caused. A child can begin with a small, honest apology and a plan to make things better.
Many Jewish adults spend the day in prayer and fasting. Children are not expected to observe an adult fast. For a family learning activity, talk about listening when someone says they were hurt and choosing a helpful next step.
Prepare coloring or a quiet matching game before the holiday for families who use them. Customs about writing and other activities on the day vary. A shofar blast marks the conclusion of the fast in many communities.
Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
Begins: Sun, September 20, 2026 at sunset
Ends: Mon, September 21, 2026 at nightfall
2027
Begins: Sun, October 10, 2027 at sunset
Ends: Mon, October 11, 2027 at nightfall
Dates begin on the preceding evening. Candle lighting is before sunset when welcoming Shabbat; exact local times require a location. These dates are not candle-lighting times.
Calendar reference: Hebcal holiday calendar. Dates are calculated with the site's Hebrew calendar conversion.
A blessing to learn together
Shehecheyanu
Part of welcoming the holy day. Local services guide when it is said.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Transliteration
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, shehecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigianu lazman hazeh.
Meaning in English
Blessed are You, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this time.
Traditional Hebrew wording reused from the site's blessing collection; English translation written for this page. This is a learning excerpt, not a complete service. The Hebrew spelling ה׳ stands for the divine name; follow your teacher's practice when learning aloud.
Yom Kippur coloring pages
Match the holiday words
Learn four words in English and Hebrew. Point to each pair together before trying the mixed-up version. The second printed page is an answer key.
sorry — סליחה
heart — לב
peace — שלום
shofar — שופר
Frequently asked questions
How can a child practice asking forgiveness?
Name what happened, listen to the other person and offer a concrete way to repair the hurt. An apology does not require the other person to feel better immediately.
Can I print the Yom Kippur activities?
Yes. The word match includes a separate answer page, and each coloring drawing has its own print or PDF button. Prepare materials in advance if your family avoids writing or printing on the holiday.
Why do some dates differ between Israel and abroad?
Some festivals have an additional day in many communities outside Israel. Use the calendar selector and follow your local community calendar.
Explore more: All Jewish holidays, and Learn Hebrew letters.