On Yom Kippur, appropriate greetings to say to Jews include:
- "Gmar Chatima Tovah" (גמר חתימה טובה), meaning "May you be sealed for a good year" or "A good final sealing," referring to the belief that at the end of Yom Kippur, people's fate for the coming year is sealed in the Book of Life.
- "Tzom Kal" (צום קל), meaning "An easy fast," acknowledging the 25-hour fast observed on Yom Kippur.
- "Gmar Tov," a shorter version meaning "A good sealing" or "A good end."
- More general holiday greetings like "Shana Tova" (שנה טובה), meaning "A good year," and "Chag Sameach" (חג שמח), meaning "Happy holiday," can also be used.
It is customary to wish a meaningful or easy fast rather than saying "Happy Yom Kippur," since the day is solemn and reflective rather than festive.
Summary of common Yom Kippur greetings:
Hebrew Phrase| Meaning in English
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Gmar Chatima Tovah| May you be sealed for a good year (Good final sealing)
Tzom Kal| An easy fast
Gmar Tov| A good sealing (short form)
Shana Tova| A good year
Chag Sameach| Happy holiday
These greetings reflect the solemn, reflective nature of Yom Kippur, emphasizing atonement, forgiveness, and hope for a good year ahead.
