Yom Kippur
The Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, is a time of fasting, prayer, and deep personal reflection. It is a day to seek forgiveness — from G-d and from one another — and to emerge renewed and recommitted.
At Chabad UChicago, our Yom Kippur services are uplifting and accessible to all. The prayers — including Kol Nidre, Musaf, and the powerful Neilah service — create an atmosphere of profound meaning and community.
- ✦Kol Nidre evening service
- ✦Yom Kippur morning & afternoon services
- ✦Yizkor memorial prayers
- ✦Neilah closing service & Shofar
- ✦Break-fast meal after the holiday ends
Join Us for Yom Kippur
Free for students — RSVP required. Experience the most meaningful day of the Jewish year in a warm, welcoming community.
About Yom Kippur at Chabad
At Chabad we understand Yom Kippur needs to be meaningful, and at the same time not everyone can make it through a full day of prayers. Check out the 1-hour crash service, grab a book off our shelf and find a quiet spot in the lounge, or join the meditation in the afternoon. Services are a unique combination of Hebrew liturgy, English readings, commentary, stories and lively songs. Chabad House is open to everyone regardless of background, religious affiliation or knowledge of Hebrew.
Yom Kippur Schedule
All services take place at the Expanded Chabad Center, 5700 S Woodlawn Ave.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
6:30 PM
Kol Nidrei & Evening Service
The Expanded Chabad Center
Amidst a haunting, soul-stirring melody, the Gates of Return are opened, beckoning every soul to enter. As the evening service begins, our souls continue to rise in heavenly ecstasy culminating in joyous melodies and tearful reflection.
8:00 PM
Stump the Rabbi
The Expanded Chabad Center
Bring your questions for this Q&A opportunity with Rabbi Yossi Brackman. No question is off limits. Answers are not guaranteed.
Monday, September 21, 2026
10:00–11:30 AM
Morning Services
The Expanded Chabad Center
Perk yourself up with the soaring words of King David's Psalms, spirally ascending to a clamorous Hear O Israel followed by a dip into the Amidah — a quiet, contemplative prayer filled with Yom Kippur themes.
11:00 AM
Children's Program
The Expanded Chabad Center
11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Torah Reading, Inspiration, and Yizkor
The Expanded Chabad Center
Relive the seminal temple service as read from an ancient Hebrew scroll, followed by soul-satisfying words from an inspired spiritual leader. Then connect with the souls of your departed loved ones during the Yizkor memorial prayer.
11:30 AM–12:30 PM
For StudentsYom Kippur In An Hour
The Expanded Chabad Center
Do you have a hard time sitting through a long service? Would you rather something shorter and more discussion based? Led by Baila Brackman with discussion, prayers in English and Hebrew.
12:30–2:00 PM
Musaf Melodies
The Expanded Chabad Center
This quintessential Yom Kippur service involves total immersion into the mystical world of the ancient temple service, plus the heart-rending saga of the martyrdom of ten of our greatest sages.
4:30–5:30 PM
Round Table Discussion: "The Art of Forgiving & Being Forgiven"
The Expanded Chabad Center
For the adventurous and inquisitive, a lively discussion and hands-on exploration of all the ingredients and recipes that make Yom Kippur such a powerful experience.
5:30–6:30 PM
Afternoon Services and Jonah
The Expanded Chabad Center
Join Jonah as he works himself out of the belly of a big fish, sharing his lesson in self-rehab.
6:30 PM
Neilah ("Closing of the Gates")
The Expanded Chabad Center
7:31 PM
Yom Kippur Ends & Break-Fast
The Expanded Chabad Center
The grand finale of the highest day of the year soars to its apex as we join our voices in tumultuous rapture proclaiming our commitment to the oneness of G-d and all His creation. A ram's horn is blown to declare the end of the fast. Don't miss this huge spread with bagels and lox, salads and all the trimmings.