Yom Kippur Synagogue Services
On Yom Kippur we spend the entire day in prayer, from Kol Nidre on the evening before through to the final blast of the shofar at Ne'ilah.
Five services are held throughout the day, each with its own character and significance.
Kol Nidre (Evening Service)
The Yom Kippur evening service begins with the haunting chant of Kol Nidre ('All Vows'). This prayer, recited predominantly in Aramaic, asks God to annul all personal vows and pledges that we made to God during the past year which we were unable to fulfil.
The Kol Nidre is recited three times, the first time quietly and the last time loudly, as if we are slowly gaining the courage to approach God and ask for forgiveness. The Ark is opened for the recitation and Torah scrolls are held by members of the congregation.
The Kol Nidre melody is one of the most recognisable and emotionally powerful in all Jewish liturgy. Its origins are uncertain, but it is thought to date from the 16th century or earlier.
After Kol Nidre, the regular Ma'ariv (evening) service continues with the Amidah, which includes the special confessional prayers (Vidui) that are recited at every Yom Kippur service: Ashamnu (a shorter, alphabetical list of sins) and Al Chet (a longer, more detailed confession).
Shacharit (Morning Service)
The morning service follows the general structure of a festival Shacharit but with significant additions. The Torah reading is from Leviticus 16, which describes the Yom Kippur service in the ancient Temple, including the role of the High Priest and the scapegoat.
The Maftir reading is from Numbers 29:7-11, describing the special offerings of the day. The Haftarah is from Isaiah 57:14-58:14, in which the prophet describes the kind of fast that God truly desires – not merely abstaining from food, but acting with justice and compassion.
A memorial prayer (Yizkor) is recited during the morning service for those who have lost parents or other close relatives. Many people who have not lost parents leave the synagogue during Yizkor.
Musaf (Additional Service)
The Musaf service on Yom Kippur includes a detailed description of the Temple service (Avodah) performed by the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) on Yom Kippur in ancient times. This is one of the most dramatic parts of the liturgy.
The congregation traditionally prostrates itself (bows fully to the ground) when the name of God is mentioned during the description of the High Priest's service. This is one of the very few times in the year when Jews prostrate themselves in prayer.
The Musaf also includes Eileh Ezkerah (also known as the Martyrology), which commemorates the ten rabbis martyred by the Romans. This moving section reminds us of the sacrifices made by Jews throughout history for their faith.
As on Rosh HaShanah, Unetaneh Tokef is recited during Musaf, declaring that "on Rosh HaShanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed" who shall live and who shall die in the coming year.
Minchah (Afternoon Service)
The afternoon service includes a Torah reading from Leviticus 18. The Haftarah is the entire Book of Jonah, which tells the story of the prophet who tried to flee from God but ultimately learned that God's mercy extends to all who repent – a fitting message for Yom Kippur.
The story of Jonah reinforces one of the central themes of the day: that sincere repentance is always accepted by God, no matter how far we may have strayed.
Ne'ilah (Closing Service)
Ne'ilah means 'locking' or 'closing' – it refers to the closing of the gates of Heaven at the end of Yom Kippur. This service is unique to Yom Kippur and is recited as the sun sets.
Ne'ilah is the most intense and emotional service of the day. The Ark remains open throughout, and the congregation stands for the entire service. The prayers shift from asking to be "written" in the Book of Life (as on Rosh HaShanah) to asking to be "sealed" – reflecting the finality of the moment.
The service concludes with the congregation declaring Shema Yisrael ("Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One") once, Baruch Shem ("Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever") three times, and Adonai Hu HaElohim ("The Lord, He is God") seven times. Finally, a single long blast of the shofar (tekiah gedolah) signals the end of Yom Kippur and the fast.
After Ne'ilah, the regular weekday Ma'ariv is recited, followed by Havdalah (without spices or candle). The congregation then breaks the fast together.
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