what is yom kippur?
Yom Kippur in the United States. Yom Kippur is a Jewish holiday known as the Day of Atonement. Many people of Jewish faith in the United States spend the day fasting and praying. Its theme centers on atonement and repentance. Yom Kippur is on the 10th day of the month of Tishrei (or Tishri) in the Jewish calendar. Prayers are an important part of the Yom Kippur observance.Prayers are an important part of the Yom Kippur observance.Â©iStockphoto.com/Robert Pears.