how long is the fast for yom kippur

The traditional Yom Kippur fast lasts about 25 hours , from sundown on the eve of Yom Kippur until nightfall (after sundown) the next day.

How long is the fast?

• The fast begins shortly before sunset on Erev Yom Kippur (the evening it starts).

• It ends after nightfall the next day, usually defined as when it is fully dark and stars are visible.

• Practically, communities describe this as a 25‑hour fast to “add” a little time before and after the calendar day of Yom Kippur.

What the fast includes

• No eating or drinking (traditionally not even water).

• Many also refrain from bathing for pleasure, using lotions or perfume, wearing leather shoes, and having sexual relations.

Who is expected to fast?

• Traditionally, healthy Jewish adults from bar/bat mitzvah age (about 12–13 and older) are obligated to fast.

• People who are ill, pregnant, nursing, very elderly, or otherwise medically at risk are often told by rabbis and doctors not to fast or to modify the fast.

Spiritual meaning in brief

• Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, focused on repentance, forgiveness, and starting the new year with a clean slate.

• Fasting is meant to help people step back from physical needs and concentrate on prayer, reflection, and moral renewal.

TL;DR: The Yom Kippur fast is observed from sundown to nightfall the next day, traditionally counted as about 25 hours with no food or drink.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.