Yom Kippur the most solemn religious fast of the Jewish year, the last of the ten days of penitence that begin with Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year). It is also called the Day of Atonement.
Yom Kippur War the Israeli name for the Arab–Israeli conflict in 1973. The war lasted for less than three weeks; it started on the festival of Yom Kippur (in that year, 6 October) when Egypt and Syria simultaneously attacked Israeli forces from the south and north respectively. The Syrians were repulsed and the Egyptians were surrounded. A ceasefire followed and disengagement agreements over the Suez area were signed in 1974 and 1975.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Most solemn of Jewish feasts. It is the last of the Ten Days of Penitence that begin the New Year. On this day, set aside for prayer and fasting, humanity is called to account for its sins and to seek reconciliation with God. Yom Kippur is described as the Sabbath of Sabbaths, because the break from work is almost complete, and Jews must abstain from food, drink, and sex. See also Rosh Hashanah

YOM KIPPUR

Name of the Jewish holiday termed "the Great Forgiveness" (also Expiation or Purification). Celebrated on the tenth day of Tishri (20 September–12 October) when every Jew accounts to God for his or her actions. Following Rosh ha-Shanah, this holiday is characterized by a complete fast of 24 hours and by the ceremony of Kol Nidre, during which all participate in a common repentance. The Egyptians and Syrians surprised the Israelis by launching a major Arab-Israeli war on Yom Kippur in 1973.

SEE ALSO Arab-Israel War (1973).

Yom Kip·pur / ˈyôm kiˈpoŏr; ˈyōm; ˈyäm; ˈkipər/ • n. the most solemn religious fast of the Jewish year, the last of the ten days of penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah. Also called Day of Atonement.

Yom Kippur (Jewish festival): see DAY OF ATONEMENT.