To wish someone a happy Yom Kippur, it is not customary to say "Happy Yom Kippur" because the day is solemn, focusing on fasting, reflection, and atonement rather than celebration. Instead, appropriate greetings include:
- In Hebrew, say "G’mar Chatima Tovah" (גמר חתימה טובה), meaning "A good final sealing," referring to the sealing of one's fate in the Book of Life for the coming year.
- Another common phrase is "Tzom Kal" (צום קל), which means "an easy fast," wishing the person a smooth fast during this solemn holiday.
- Other respectful English greetings include "Have a meaningful Yom Kippur," "Wishing you a meaningful fast," or "May you be sealed for goodness in the Book of Life."
- You can also say "Shanah Tovah" (שנה טובה) which means "Good year," a greeting appropriate for the high holiday season including Yom Kippur.
These greetings acknowledge the solemnity of the day while offering respectful and thoughtful good wishes for the fasting and atonement process.
In summary, to wish someone well on Yom Kippur, it is best to say either "G’mar Chatima Tovah" or "Tzom Kal," or to offer them wishes for a meaningful or easy fast. Avoid the phrase "Happy Yom Kippur" as it is not traditionally appropriate for this serious holiday.
