On Yom Kippur, common and respectful greetings to say include:
- "Gmar chatima tovah" (גמר חתימה טובה), meaning "a good final sealing," referring to the Jewish belief that on Yom Kippur, God seals each person's fate for the coming year.
- "Tzom kal" (צום קל), which means "an easy fast," acknowledging the 25-hour fast observed on the day.
- "Gmar tov," a shorter version meaning "a good end" or "good sealing."
- "Shanah tovah," meaning "a good year," which is appropriate during the High Holy Days season.
- Other greetings include: "Have a meaningful fast," "Wishing you a good seal," "Have a good holy day," or simply "Yom tov," meaning "good day."
Yom Kippur is a solemn day of fasting, prayer, atonement, and self-reflection, so greetings typically reflect these themes rather than being cheerful like typical holiday greetings. The greetings express wishes for forgiveness, a good verdict in the Book of Life, and a meaningful fast.
