History of Yom Kippur in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 2, 2025

Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day, occurs annually in late September or early October. It's a day of atonement, focused on repentance and reconciliation with God. Observance includes a 25-hour fast, intensive prayer, and abstaining from work and pleasures. Synagogue services feature confessions and prayers for forgiveness. The day culminates with the shofar blast, marking the end of the fast and the hope for a year of blessings. It is a time for introspection, seeking forgiveness from others, and reaffirming commitment to ethical and spiritual growth.

1934: Hank Greenberg Refuses to Play on Yom Kippur

In 1934, Hank Greenberg, a Baseball Hall of Famer, garnered national attention when he refused to play on Yom Kippur, even though his Detroit Tigers were in the middle of a pennant race. When Greenberg arrived in synagogue on Yom Kippur, he received a standing ovation from the congregation.

1965: Sandy Koufax's Decision Not to Play on Yom Kippur

In 1965, Sandy Koufax, a Hall of Fame pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, made the decision not to play in Game 1 of the World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur. Koufax's choice, highlighted the conflict between social pressures and personal beliefs, and gained national attention.

1967: Yom Kippur Date in Gregorian Calendar

In 1967, Yom Kippur occurred on October 14, which is the latest Yom Kippur can occur relative to the Gregorian dates.

1973: Start of the Yom Kippur War

In 1973, on the afternoon of Yom Kippur, air raid sirens sounded in Israel as radio broadcasts alerted the public to the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria, which marked the beginning of the Yom Kippur War.

2013: Yom Kippur Date in Gregorian Calendar

In 2013, Yom Kippur fell on September 14, which is the earliest date on which Yom Kippur can fall in terms of the Gregorian calendar.

2013: Fasting Intention on Yom Kippur in Israel

In 2013, it was reported that 73% of the Jewish population in Israel intended to fast on Yom Kippur. It is common in Israel to wish people "Tsom Kal" (easy fast) or "Tsom Mo'il" (benefiting fast) before Yom Kippur, regardless of their fasting plans.

2016: United Nations Officially Recognizes Yom Kippur

In 2016, the United Nations officially recognized Yom Kippur. From then on, no official meetings would take place on this day. Additionally, the UN announced Yom Kippur as one of its floating holidays, marking the first time the UN officially recognized a Jewish holiday.