The most common and respectful way to wish someone well for Yom Kippur is to focus on it being a meaningful, reflective day and, if they are fasting, on having an easy fast.

What to Say in English

  • “Wishing you a meaningful Yom Kippur.”
  • “Have an easy fast.”
  • “Wishing you a blessed Yom Kippur.”
  • “May this day bring you reflection and peace.”

Because Yom Kippur is solemn, people usually avoid saying “Happy Yom Kippur” and instead emphasize meaningful or “blessed.”

Traditional Hebrew/Yiddish Greetings

  • “G’mar chatima tova” (also written “Gmar chatima tova”) – “May you be sealed for good / a good final sealing.”
  • “Tzom kal” – “Have an easy fast.”
  • “Gut yontif” (Yiddish) or “Yom tov” (Hebrew) – “Have a good holy day.”
  • During the broader High Holy Day season, people may also say “Shanah tovah” – “A good year.”

Using even one short phrase like “G’mar chatima tova” or “Have an easy fast” is appreciated, and intent matters more than getting the exact wording “perfect.”

If You’re Not Jewish and Want to Be Respectful

  • Keep the tone respectful and a bit serious, since Yom Kippur is about atonement, reflection, and prayer.
  • Examples:
    • “I hope you have a meaningful Yom Kippur.”
* “Wishing you an easy fast and a peaceful day.”

Most people observing the day are simply glad you acknowledged it thoughtfully.