To greet someone on Yom Kippur, it is traditional and appropriate to use the Hebrew phrases:
- "G’mar chatima tovah" (or simply "G’mar tov"), meaning "a good final sealing," wishing that their fate for the coming year be sealed for good.
- "Tzom kal," meaning "an easy fast," acknowledging the fast that is observed during Yom Kippur.
Other respectful greetings in English include:
- "Have a meaningful fast."
- "Wishing you a meaningful Yom Kippur."
- "May you be sealed for goodness in the Book of Life."
- "Have a good holy day."
It is not customary to say "Happy Yom Kippur" because the day is solemn and about atonement rather than celebration. Instead, greetings focus on wishes for an easy fast and for a good outcome in the spiritual judgment of the year ahead.
