Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It’s a high holiday that follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The central themes are of repentance and self examination. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a day-long fast and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
Given this somber theme, the holiday is not one of celebration. Thus, one should not wish someone a “Happy Yom Kippur.” Instead, we say “G’mar chatima tova” In English, it means “May you be sealed in the Book of Life.” According to Jewish tradition, one’s fate is decided on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur.
