The traditional and most common greeting for Yom Kippur is "G'mar Chatima Tovah" (גמר חתימה טובה), which means "a good final sealing." This reflects the belief that a person's fate for the coming year, inscribed on Rosh Hashanah, is sealed on Yom Kippur. Another common greeting is "Tzom Kal" (צום קל), meaning "an easy fast," acknowledging the fasting aspect of the day. It's also appropriate to say "Shanah Tovah" (שנה טובה), meaning "Good year," especially during the High Holy Days season including Yom Kippur. To summarize:
- G'mar Chatima Tovah: "A good final sealing"
- Tzom Kal: "An easy fast"
- Shanah Tovah: "Good year" (used during the entire High Holy Days season)
These greetings express good wishes for the solemn and reflective nature of Yom Kippur without using a phrase like "Happy Yom Kippur," which is not customary due to the day's somber observance.
