Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism and Samaritanism. It occurs annually on the 10th of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Primarily centered on atonement and repentance, the day's observances consist of full fasting and ascetic behavior accompanied by intensive prayer as well as sin confessions. Yom Kippur in Israel is the one day when normal life across Israel stops. All businesses close, including all restaurants and places of leisure. All transportation stops. It’s the only day all year where Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s major airport, stops functioning, as does all public transport. Almost all private vehicles also stop so the roads become totally empty for the day, apart from the odd emergency vehicle and children and adults riding bikes!
Israel
While Israel completely shuts down on Yom Kippur, it’s a great opportunity to make the most of your time in the Middle East by heading down to a guided tour of Jordan. This 3-Day Petra, Wadi Rum and Jordan Highlights Tour departs on Tuesday and allows travelers to spend the days of Yom Kippur in Jordan, and gets you back to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv in time for the weekend.