You can say a few different respectful things on Yom Kippur, depending on how traditional you want to be and whether the person is fasting.

Short, safe things to say

  • “Wishing you a meaningful Yom Kippur.”
  • “Have an easy fast.” (Only if you know they’re fasting.)
  • “May you be sealed for a good year.”

These work well in person, by text, or on a card because Yom Kippur is a solemn, reflective day rather than a “Happy Yom Kippur” kind of holiday.

Traditional Hebrew/Yiddish greetings

Common phrases you might hear or use:

  • Gmar Chatima Tovah – “May you be sealed for goodness (in the Book of Life).”
  • Gmar Tov – A shorter version, “a good ending” to the period of judgment.
  • Tzom Kal – “An easy fast.”
  • Shanah Tovah – “A good year” (still used during this season).
  • Yom Tov / Gut Yontif – “Good holy day” in Hebrew/Yiddish.

If pronunciation feels intimidating, the English versions are completely fine and appreciated.

What the greetings are about

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, a fast day focused on repentance, introspection, and seeking forgiveness, not food or celebration.

There’s a traditional idea that a person’s fate for the coming year is written on Rosh Hashanah and sealed at the end of Yom Kippur, which is why people say “Gmar Chatima Tovah” or “a good final sealing.”

So the tone you’re aiming for is respectful and thoughtful—hoping that their fast, prayers, and reflections go well and that they’re sealed for a good year.

TL;DR: Avoid “Happy Yom Kippur.” Instead say things like “Have an easy fast,” “Wishing you a meaningful Yom Kippur,” or “Gmar Chatima Tovah – may you be sealed for a good year.”

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