Yom Kippur is the Hebrew name for the Day of Atonement. It was one of the most important holy days in ancient Israel. It was also called the Day of Atonement. On this day, the high priest performed special ceremonies to ask God to forgive the sins of the people. It was a day for the Israelites to stop working, fast, and show sorrow for their sins (Leviticus 23:26–32).
The name Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew. It comes from words that mean “day” (yom) and “to make atonement” (kippur). It was the only day each year when the high priest could enter the most holy place in the tabernacle.