A Day of Reflection

Serving a diverse community means recognizing that important days on the calendar can hold different meanings for our clients, colleagues, and neighbors. For members of Albuquerque's Jewish community, Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year.

In 2026, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, and ends after nightfall on Monday, September 21.

Known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur takes place ten days after Rosh Hashanah and concludes the period known as the Ten Days of Repentance or Days of Awe. While Rosh Hashanah begins the Jewish New Year, the days that follow are traditionally a time to reflect on one's actions, seek forgiveness, make amends, and consider how to do better in the year ahead.

Yom Kippur is the culmination of that period and is a solemn day dedicated to repentance, prayer, and reflection.

How Yom Kippur Is Observed

Many Jewish adults observe Yom Kippur with a fast lasting approximately 25 hours, abstaining from food and drink from before sunset until after nightfall the following day. There are exceptions, including when fasting could affect a person's health.

Prayer and synagogue services are also central to the observance, and many people refrain from work and other everyday activities so the day can remain focused on spiritual reflection.

Unlike many holidays, "Happy Yom Kippur" isn't generally the most appropriate greeting. People may instead say "G'mar Chatimah Tovah," traditionally expressing a wish that someone be sealed for a good year, or simply wish someone an easy or meaningful fast.

Respecting the Traditions of Our Neighbors

For REALTORS®, awareness of Yom Kippur can have a practical application. Clients or colleagues who observe the holiday may be unavailable for meetings, showings, phone calls, or other business from sundown through the following evening.

Being mindful of religious and cultural observances is a simple way to show consideration for the people we work with and serve.

Albuquerque's community includes many cultures, traditions, and faiths. Learning more about observances such as Yom Kippur gives us another opportunity to better understand our neighbors and the community we all call home.

We wish a meaningful Yom Kippur to all who observe.

Advancing, Belonging, Community & Diversity Committee
presents this cultural heritage celebration blog