Yom Kippur 2025: Exact Fast Timings in US Cities and Global Observance Details

By: Dainik Realty Bureau | Date: 01 Oct 2025

Yom Kippur, widely regarded as the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is fast approaching, marking a crucial time for millions around the world. Known as the Day of Atonement, the occasion requires observers to undertake a profound 25-hour fast. This tradition serves as a moment of deep spiritual observance, uniting Jewish communities globally in prayer, reflection, and repentance. While the spiritual obligation remains constant worldwide, the precise timing for the start and end of the fast differs significantly based on local sunset and dark hours. This report offers a comprehensive breakdown of the exact fast timings for Yom Kippur 2025 across major US cities, Israel, and other international hubs, ensuring practitioners can adhere strictly to the demanding 25-hour timeline.

Understanding the Significance of Yom Kippur: Why the 25-Hour Fast?

Yom Kippur is often referred to as the Day of Atonement. It holds the distinction of being the most holy day within the Jewish calendar. This observance is far more than a simple holiday; it is described as a serious day of prayer, reflection, and repentance for all Jews who adhere to the religious rules. The core purpose of the 25-hour fast is spiritual cleansing and self-denial. The fast itself begins at the sunset of one day and concludes only after dark on the following day. This rigorous schedule brings millions of people together in Jewish communities around the world for a collective spiritual observance. The tradition highlights the global unity of the Jewish faith, even though the specific timings for the fast vary by city. The cultural and religious impact of the day is evident in locations like Israel, where traffic frequently comes to a halt and the roads become quiet, underscoring the universal gravity of the occasion.

Detailed Fast Timings for Major US Cities and North America

For North American observers, the fast timings are determined by precise local astronomical data, leading to small but crucial variations across metropolitan areas. The observance of Yom Kippur 2025 spans approximately 25 hours. Specific start and end times for key US cities and Toronto include:

• New York: The fast begins at 6:19 P.M. and is scheduled to end at 7:40 P.M.. It is important to note that a separate report indicates an alternate end time for New York as 7:16 P.M..
• Miami: The observance starts at 6:19 P.M. and concludes at 7:40 P.M..
• Los Angeles: The fast commences at 6:19 P.M. and ends at 7:13 P.M..
• Washington D.C.: The starting time is 6:32 P.M. and the fast concludes at 7:28 P.M..
• Toronto: The Canadian city observes the fast from 6:40 P.M. to 7:38 P.M..

These precise times ensure that Jewish practitioners living in these densely populated areas can fulfill their commitment to the entire 25-hour period of spiritual discipline.

Local Observance: Yom Kippur 2025 Schedule in Israel

As the spiritual homeland, Israel holds particular significance for the observance of Yom Kippur. However, even within Israel, the fast starts and ends at different times depending on the specific city. These timings are reported based on information from Haaretz.

• Jerusalem: The fast begins at 5:44 PM and concludes at 6:59 PM.
• Tel Aviv: The fast is observed from 6:04 PM to 7:01 PM.
• Be'er Sheva: The observance runs from 6:06 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Haifa: The fast is observed from 5:55 PM to 7:00 PM.

The varying timings underscore how the tradition, while universally observed, remains bound by the specific geographical and temporal realities of the location.

European and Southern Hemisphere Fast Timings

The tradition of Yom Kippur extends far beyond the US and Israel, with millions observing the fast across Europe and the Southern Hemisphere.

European Cities:

• Paris: The fast is observed from 7:11 P.M. to 8:14 P.M..
• London: Fast timings are 6:20 P.M. to 7:25 P.M..
• Berlin: The observance runs from 6:25 P.M. to 7:31 P.M..

Southern Hemisphere Cities:

Times for the observance in the Southern Hemisphere are also different, based on a report by Haaretz.

• Melbourne: The fast runs from 6:06 P.M. to 7:05 P.M..
• Buenos Aires: The observance is from 6:39 P.M. to 7:39 P.M..
• Johannesburg: The fast is observed from 5:50 P.M. to 6:43 P.M..

Despite the geographical distances and differing clock times, this day is still recognized as a day of profound unity and reflection, with millions participating for the same core spiritual reason.

A Global Day of Unity and Repentance

Ultimately, Yom Kippur transcends borders and time zones, serving as a powerful demonstration of faith and spiritual commitment. The necessity of following precise local timings—starting at sunset and ending after dark—ensures that the difficult 25-hour commitment is met fully. Whether observed in the bustling US Cities or the quiet streets of Jerusalem, the core focus remains the same: a deep, serious commitment to repentance, prayer, and achieving atonement. This annual tradition not only strengthens individual spirituality but also fosters a communal bond among Jewish people globally.

Conclusion (1 para)

Yom Kippur 2025 marks the holiest day of the year for the Jewish community, characterized by a demanding 25-hour fast focused on atonement and reflection. Fast timings are precise and geographically dependent, ranging from 6:19 P.M. to 7:40 P.M. in New York to 5:44 P.M. to 6:59 P.M. in Jerusalem. Despite the logistical variations, millions worldwide participate for the same spiritual reason. The tradition is certain to endure in the future, continuing to provide a vital annual opportunity for communal unity and intense spiritual renewal.

FAQs

Q1. What time does the Yom Kippur fast start and end in Israel? The timings vary by city. In Jerusalem, the Yom Kippur fast begins at 5:44 PM and concludes at 6:59 PM. For observers in Tel Aviv, the fast is scheduled from 6:04 PM to 7:01 PM. These times reflect the local sunset and dark hours.

Q2. What is the significance of Yom Kippur 2025 for the Jewish community? Yom Kippur 2025 is considered the Day of Atonement and the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a serious day dedicated to prayer, reflection, and repentance for Jewish people who adhere to the rules. The day involves a mandatory 25-hour fast.

Q3. What are the start and end times for the Yom Kippur fast in New York and Miami? In both New York and Miami, the Yom Kippur fast begins at 6:19 P.M. and is scheduled to conclude at 7:40 P.M.. A separate source suggests an end time of 7:16 P.M. for New York. These are crucial times for US Cities observers.

Q4. What are the Yom Kippur times in major European cities like London and Paris? The Yom Kippur fast timings for European centers vary. In London, the fast is observed from 6:20 P.M. to 7:25 P.M.. In Paris, the fasting period runs from 7:11 P.M. to 8:14 P.M..

Q5. How long does the Yom Kippur fast last, and how does the observance unify people? The Yom Kippur fast lasts for approximately 25 hours, starting at sunset and ending after dark. This tradition unifies millions globally because, despite time differences, people everywhere are fasting for the same core spiritual reason of atonement and reflection.