What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn day of the year, a day of fasting, confession, introspection, prayers for forgiveness, and resolve to change the direction of our lives. [1] Due to its extreme importance, its effect is felt long before it arrives.

Why do we blow the shofar on Yom Kippur?

Observing Yom Kippur. The blowing of the shofar—a trumpet made from a ram's horn—is an essential and emblematic part of both High Holy Days. On Yom Kippur, a single long blast is sounded at the end of the final service to mark the conclusion of the fast.
How many times do Jews recite the Vidui on Yom Kippur?
In keeping with the requirement to repent on Yom Kippur, Jews recite the full Vidui a total of 9 times: once during Mincha on Yom Kippur eve, and on Yom Kippur itself during Ma'ariv (2 times), Shacharit (2 times), Musaf (2 times), and Mincha (2 times); at Ne'eilah, only the short confessional is said.

Do secular Jews attend synagogues on Yom Kippur?

Many secular Jews attend synagogue on Yom Kippur—for many secular Jews the High Holy Days are the only times of the year during which they attend synagogue —causing synagogue attendance to soar. Erev Yom Kippur (lit. "eve [of] day [of] atonement") is the day preceding Yom Kippur, corresponding to the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei.

Does Yom Kippur atone for those who do not repent?

The Talmud states, "Yom Kippur atones for those who repent and does not atone for those who do not repent". Repentance in Judaism is done through a process called Teshuva, which in its most basic form consists of regretting having committed the sin, resolving not to commit that sin in the future and to confess that sin before God.
What did the High Priest do on Yom Kippur?
By God's commandment, the high priest followed a specific protocol on Yom Kippur. He bathed and dressed in white linen raiments, an act of purification, before entering the Holy of Holies. There the high priest made two sin offerings: a bull for his house and a goat for the people.

How can I pray Yom Kippur at home?

The best way to get yourself up to snuff for praying at home is to have a Yom Kippur machzor (prayer-book) handy, and simply follow the instructions, omitting the parts that cannot be done alone—principally the Barechu call to prayer, Kaddish, the Repetition of the Amidah, and the Torah-reading service.