Yom Kippur Candle Lighting
Candle lighting times for Yom Kippur 2026, the start of the fast, the blessings said over the candles, and an explanation of the candles that are lit.
Jerusalem
- Candle lighting
- 17:59
- Fast ends
- 19:14
Tel Aviv
- Candle lighting
- 18:18
- Fast ends
- 19:15
Haifa
- Candle lighting
- 18:10
- Fast ends
- 19:15
Beer Sheva
- Candle lighting
- 18:20
- Fast ends
- 19:15
The blessing over Yom Kippur candles, 2026
Light the candles and say the following blessings:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַ־דוֹנָי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם הַכִּיפּוּרִים.
Baruch ata Ado-nai Elo-heinu melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Yom HaKippurim.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Yom Kippur.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַ־דוֹנָי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לִזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Baruch ata Ado-nai Elo-heinu melech ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higi'anu lizman hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and brought us to this occasion.
Alongside the festival candles it is customary to light a "candle of life" (ner chaim) and a memorial candle (ner neshama) for the elevation of the souls of parents who have passed away. Read a full explanation of the different types of candles here.
Kapparot for Yom Kippur
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Common questions about lighting candles on the eve of Yom Kippur
When are Yom Kippur candles lit in 2026?
🕯️ In 5787 the candles are lit on Sunday, the 9th of Tishrei (September 20, 2026).
Light the candles no later than the following times:
Tel Aviv: 18:18
Haifa: 18:10
Jerusalem: 17:59
Beer Sheva: 18:20
Which candles are lit on the eve of Yom Kippur?
🕯️ Three kinds of candles:
Festival candles, lit in honor of Yom Kippur, as on Shabbat and festivals.
The candle of life (ner chaim), lit in the synagogue in honor of the day.
The memorial candle (ner neshama), lit for the elevation of the souls of relatives who have passed away.
What is the blessing over the Yom Kippur candles?
There are two blessings:
🕯️ בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַ‑דוֹנָי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם הַכִּיפּוּרִים
Baruch ata Ado-nai Elo-heinu melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Yom HaKippurim.
✨ בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַ‑דוֹנָי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לִזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch ata Ado-nai Elo-heinu melech ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higi'anu lizman hazeh.
What is the difference between the "candle of life" and the memorial candle?
🕯️ The candle of life (ner chaim) is lit in the synagogue by every married man in honor of Yom Kippur.
🕯️ The memorial candle (ner neshama) is lit at home, or in the synagogue, for the elevation of the souls of relatives who have passed away.
May young girls light candles as well?
Yes. The Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged young girls to light Shabbat and festival candles too, including on Yom Kippur, with an adult supervising.
What should be done if a candle goes out during the fast?
It may not be relit on Yom Kippur itself, and a non-Jew may not be asked to relight it either. After the fast ends, light it again and let it burn until it goes out on its own.
Are candles lit on Yom Kippur?
Yes. Three kinds of candles are lit before Yom Kippur begins:
- Festival candles.
- The candle of life.
- The memorial candle.