Yom Kippur Halacha Guide: Practical Laws for Fasting, Forgiveness, and Prayer

What should someone do if they asked forgiveness from a friend, but the friend refused to forgive them?

They should declare in front of ten people that they asked for forgiveness (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 621).

If a person finished eating and drinking at the pre-fast meal (seudah mafseket), and then changed their mind and wants to continue drinking, is this permitted?

If they did not explicitly accept the fast upon themselves, they may continue (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 657).

If someone forgot and made a blessing over food or drink on Yom Kippur, what should they do?

They should not taste it, but instead say: “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’olam Va’ed” (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 684).

To complete one hundred blessings on Yom Kippur, may one recite the blessing “Who gives a good fragrance to fruits” over an edible fruit, such as an apple?

Yes, and there is no concern that one might come to eat it (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 695).

Is a bride within the first month after her wedding allowed to wash her face on Yom Kippur?

Yes, in order to appear presentable before her husband (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 707).

Who is permitted to wear leather shoes on Yom Kippur?

A woman within 30 days after childbirth.
A sick person who is not in danger.
Someone with an injury to their feet.
Anyone in a place where there are scorpions or biting animals.
Anyone in an area with heavy mud, filth, or unclean flooring (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 715).

Is it permitted to wear shoes that look like leather but are not actually leather?

Yes, and there is no concern of misleading appearance (mar’it ayin) (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 716).

Should a child who is not fasting be trained to wear non-leather shoes?

Yes, unless there is a concern they might become ill (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 717).

Should a 12-year-old boy or an 11-year-old girl be trained to fast the entire day?

No, only until midday (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 734).

If a sick person is allowed to eat on Yom Kippur but could technically fast using IV fluids, should they do so?

No. They should instead eat less than the minimum halachic measure (shiur) (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 795).

If a sick person eats on Yom Kippur, must they make Kiddush?

No, because there is no mitzvah of Kiddush on Yom Kippur (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 800).

If several sick people eat together, should they perform a zimun (grace after meals with a quorum)?

Yes (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 800, notes).

If a sick person eats on Yom Kippur, should they include Ya’aleh VeYavo in Birkat Hamazon?

Yes, and they should say: “On this Yom Kippur, on this day of forgiveness” (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 804).

When Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat, should Kabbalat Shabbat be recited?

No. Only “Mizmor Shir LeYom HaShabbat” is recited (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 719).

How is Kiddush fulfilled when Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat?

One should have in mind to fulfill Kiddush during the prayer when saying: “Who sanctifies Shabbat, Israel, and Yom Kippur” (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 784).

If a sick person eats less than the minimum measure (shiur) on Yom Kippur, may they be called to the Torah?

Yes, because the Torah reading is due to the sanctity of the day (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 818).

What is appropriate to do after the conclusion of Yom Kippur prayers?

Rabbi Chaim Palagi wrote that this is a special time of favor. If people would remain in the synagogue for another hour and pray for redemption, they would certainly be answered (Yalkut Yosef, Yamim Nora’im, p. 884).