Last Updated on October 28, 2021
Yom Kippur prayers, blessings and brachot.
Listed here are some of the prayers and blessings (Heb: Brachot) recited on Yom Kippur.
1. Candle lighting for Yom Kippur
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יום הכיפורים
Blessed are you, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of Yom Kippur
Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik neir shel yom hakippurim.
2. Shehechiyanu
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
English Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.
Transliteration: Baruch Atah Adonay E-loi-hei-nu Me-lech ha-o-lam she-he-chee-ya-nu v’ki-yi-ma-nu vi-hi-gi-ya-nu liz-man ha-zeh.
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How many candles do I light on Yom Kippur?
There are five sets of candles that one could possibly light for Yom Kippur:
1. The regular Yom Tov candles. These are the two candles one lights before the onset of any Shabbat or Chag. Recite the blessing “…Lhadlik Ner Shel Yom Hakippurim” as well as Shecheyanu
2. Many light a “yahrtzeit” or memorial candle for relatives who have passed away. These burn for 24 hours and are lit, at home before the Yom Kippur candles.
3. There is a custom to light a “ner bari”, a candle for the living which is lit by each married male and is intended to last the entire Yom Kippur.
4. The Shulchan Aruch writes that we should light many candles in the synagogue on Yom Kippur out of respect for the day.
5. When making Havdala after Yom Kippur one is obligated to use a “ner sheshavas”, light that rested, which requires that one use as their Havdala candle on Motzai Yom Kippur a flame that has been burning from before Yom Kippur
