Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It’s a time for reflection, repentance, and a 25-hour fast. For those observing Yom Kippur, knowing precisely when the fast ends is crucial. This article provides detailed information about determining the break-fast time for Yom Kippur 2021 and the factors that influence it.
Understanding Yom Kippur and its Significance
Yom Kippur is observed on the 10th day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and marks the culmination of the High Holy Days. The day is dedicated to introspection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness from God and others for transgressions committed during the past year.
The fast is a central aspect of Yom Kippur observance. Abstaining from food and drink allows individuals to focus on spiritual matters without the distractions of physical needs. It’s a period of intense self-examination and a commitment to positive change.
Beyond fasting, Yom Kippur is also marked by refraining from other activities, including wearing leather shoes, using perfumes or lotions, and engaging in marital relations. Synagogue services are lengthy and filled with special prayers and readings. The day concludes with the sounding of the shofar, signaling the end of the fast and the completion of the atonement process.
Determining the End of Yom Kippur: Sunset and Nightfall
The end of Yom Kippur, and consequently the time to break the fast, is determined by the arrival of nightfall. However, defining nightfall can vary based on different Jewish legal opinions (halakha). There isn’t one single, universally accepted definition. The most common approaches involve calculating the time of sunset and then adding a specific duration to account for twilight.
Sunset marks the beginning of the transition from day to night. This is the point when the upper edge of the sun disappears below the horizon. You can easily find the sunset time for your specific location using various online resources, weather websites, or smartphone apps.
However, sunset alone does not signify the end of Yom Kippur. Jewish law requires waiting for a certain period after sunset to ensure that nightfall has definitively arrived. This waiting period is known as “tzeit hakochavim,” which literally means “the emergence of the stars.”
The Concept of Tzeit Hakochavim
Tzeit hakochavim is a critical factor in determining the end of Yom Kippur. It signifies the point at which three medium-sized stars are visible in the night sky. This observation is, of course, difficult to perform accurately in modern urban environments with light pollution. Therefore, halakhic authorities have established calculations to approximate tzeit hakochavim based on the time of sunset.
The precise calculation of tzeit hakochavim varies depending on differing interpretations of Jewish law. Some authorities use a shorter interval after sunset, while others use a longer one. This difference stems from varying understandings of the time it takes for nightfall to occur.
Different Halakhic Opinions and Their Impact
Several opinions exist regarding the duration of time to add to sunset to reach tzeit hakochavim.
One common approach uses a timeframe of 18 minutes after sunset. This is based on the opinion of Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, known as the Chofetz Chaim. This is a widely accepted standard in many communities.
Another opinion, attributed to Rabbeinu Tam, suggests a significantly longer waiting period, sometimes calculated as 72 minutes before sunrise. This opinion is less commonly followed in practice for determining the end of Yom Kippur, but it’s relevant in certain halakhic contexts.
Some communities may follow other calculations, such as adding 30 minutes, 40 minutes, or even longer to sunset.
It’s important to understand that these are all valid interpretations within Jewish law. The choice of which opinion to follow often depends on local custom, the guidance of a rabbi, and personal preference.
Finding the Specific Break-Fast Time for Your Location
Given the variations in halakhic opinions, it’s essential to determine the precise break-fast time for your specific location. There are several resources you can use:
Many synagogues and Jewish community centers publish Yom Kippur schedules that include the sunset time and the recommended break-fast time according to the prevalent halakhic opinion in that community. These schedules are often available online or in printed form. Consulting your local synagogue is often the easiest and most reliable way to find the correct time.
Numerous online resources provide sunset and nightfall times for various locations worldwide. These websites often allow you to specify the calculation method used for determining tzeit hakochavim (e.g., 18 minutes after sunset). Be sure to verify the accuracy and reliability of the website before relying on its information. Examples of these might be “My Zmanim,” “Hebcal,” or similar resources.
Many smartphone apps are designed to provide Jewish calendar information, including sunset and nightfall times. These apps often allow you to customize the settings to reflect your preferred halakhic opinion.
It’s always advisable to consult with a knowledgeable rabbi or halakhic authority in your community to determine the most appropriate break-fast time for your specific circumstances. They can provide guidance based on local customs and your personal level of observance.
Factors That Might Affect the Exact Time
While the calculations are generally reliable, certain factors can affect the precise break-fast time:
Geographical location plays a crucial role. Sunset and nightfall times vary significantly depending on your latitude and longitude.
Daylight Saving Time can also influence the calculation. Be sure to adjust your calculations accordingly if Daylight Saving Time is in effect.
Weather conditions, such as cloud cover or haze, can make it difficult to visually observe the stars. In such cases, relying on calculated times is even more important.
Practical Considerations for Breaking the Fast
Once you’ve determined the correct break-fast time, it’s important to prepare for breaking the fast mindfully.
It’s customary to begin with a small amount of food and drink to ease back into eating gradually. Avoid consuming large quantities of rich or heavy foods immediately after the fast.
Many people start with a light beverage, such as water, juice, or tea, and a small portion of a carbohydrate-rich food, such as crackers or bread.
After a short interval, you can then proceed to a more substantial meal. Listen to your body and avoid overeating.
Reflecting on the meaning of Yom Kippur and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to atone for sins is a meaningful way to conclude the fast.
Concluding Thoughts on Yom Kippur 2021
Knowing the precise time to break the fast on Yom Kippur is essential for those observing the holiday. While the calculations may seem complex, understanding the underlying principles of sunset, nightfall, and tzeit hakochavim can help you determine the correct time for your location and community. Remember to consult reliable resources and, when in doubt, seek guidance from a knowledgeable rabbi. May your fast be meaningful and your atonement complete.
When Does Yom Kippur 2021 Begin and End?
Yom Kippur 2021 began at sundown on Wednesday, September 15th. This marked the start of the 25-hour period of fasting, prayer, and repentance observed by Jews worldwide. The timing is based on the Hebrew calendar, which is lunisolar, meaning it considers both the moon’s cycles and the sun’s position.
Yom Kippur 2021 ended at nightfall on Thursday, September 16th. The specific time varies depending on your geographic location, as nightfall occurs at different times across the globe. It’s crucial to consult a reliable source, like a Jewish calendar or a website specific to Jewish observances, to determine the precise break-fast time for your area.
What is “Break-Fast” and Why is it Significant?
“Break-fast,” often spelled as one word (breakfast) in other contexts, refers to the meal consumed at the end of Yom Kippur to break the fast. This meal marks the conclusion of the 25-hour period during which observant Jews abstain from food and drink. It is a moment of celebration and relief after a day of introspection and spiritual renewal.
The break-fast meal is significant because it symbolizes a return to normalcy after a period of self-denial. It’s often a communal affair, shared with family and friends, providing an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the collective observance of Yom Kippur. Common break-fast foods are chosen to be light and easily digestible, aiding the body in readjusting to food intake after the extended fast.
How Can I Find the Exact Break-Fast Time for My Location?
Finding the exact break-fast time for your specific location requires consulting resources that provide sunset times or Yom Kippur observance schedules. These resources often calculate the precise time based on astronomical data and halachic (Jewish law) considerations for the end of Yom Kippur.
Reliable sources include online Jewish calendars (such as Chabad.org or Hebcal.com), websites dedicated to Jewish observances, and local synagogues or Jewish community centers. Inputting your city or zip code into these resources will generate the precise break-fast time for your area, ensuring adherence to the correct observance of Yom Kippur.
Why Does the End Time of Yom Kippur Vary by Location?
The end time of Yom Kippur, like its beginning, is dictated by sunset. Since the sun sets at different times in different locations across the globe, the start and end of Yom Kippur will vary correspondingly. This is a fundamental aspect of how time is reckoned within the Jewish tradition.
Furthermore, within Jewish law (Halakha), there are varying opinions on exactly how long after sunset Yom Kippur ends. Some follow the opinion that it ends immediately after sunset, while others wait a few minutes to ensure that night has fully fallen. This variance, while generally small, further contributes to slight differences in the published break-fast times for different communities.
What Happens During the Closing Service of Yom Kippur?
The closing service of Yom Kippur, known as Ne’ilah, holds special significance as the final opportunity for prayer and repentance before the “gates of heaven” are symbolically closed. This service is often characterized by heightened intensity and emotional fervor.
During Ne’ilah, the ark (containing the Torah scrolls) remains open, symbolizing the opportunity for prayers to reach their intended destination. The service culminates in the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn), a single long blast signifying the end of Yom Kippur and the acceptance of prayers. This marks the transition from a day of intense introspection to a renewed commitment to living a more righteous life.
What are Some Traditional Foods Eaten at the Break-Fast Meal?
Traditional break-fast meals often feature foods that are easy to digest after a long fast. Lighter fare is favored to avoid overwhelming the digestive system, which has been inactive for the past 25 hours.
Popular choices include bagels with cream cheese, tuna salad, egg salad, lox, and various dairy-based dishes. Some families opt for blintzes, noodle kugel, or other traditional Jewish foods. The emphasis is on providing a satisfying yet gentle meal to ease the body back into normal eating habits.
Is it Permissible to Drink Water Before the Official Break-Fast Time?
No. Observing the fast of Yom Kippur entails complete abstinence from both food and drink, including water. This is a fundamental aspect of the observance, and any consumption before the official break-fast time would be considered a violation of the fast.
The fast continues until the designated break-fast time, determined by sunset in your location. It is important to adhere to this timing, waiting until after the final service and the sounding of the shofar to partake in any food or drink. If someone has a medical condition that requires them to break the fast early, they should consult with a rabbi or doctor for guidance.