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What practices are forbidden on Yom Kippur?

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Circular diagram of the Jewish religious year showing Hebrew months around the outer ring and Gregorian months inside, with major holidays and fasts such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Passover, and Purim labeled with their dates. — Jewish religious year The months and holidays of the Jewish religious year.

Yom Kippur is the most solemn day in the Jewish religious year, dedicated to repentance, prayer, and total rest. To focus entirely on atonement and avoid physical comforts, observers must adhere to several specific prohibitions:

Work: As a day of complete rest, all forms of work are forbidden.12
Food and Drink: Observers abstain from all food and drink for approximately 25 hours.12
Physical Comforts: It is forbidden to bathe or wash, apply oils or creams to the body, or wear leather shoes.12
Sexual Relations: Marital or sexual relations are prohibited.12
Gold Jewelry: It is customary to abstain from wearing gold jewelry, as it is associated with the sin of the golden calf.12

These restrictions are intended to help individuals achieve purification and reconciliation with God as their fates are finalized for the coming year. While the fast is a central obligation, children under the age of bar and bat mitzvah are exempt.12