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Why do Jews fast 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.

On Yom Kippur, the most solemn day of the Jewish religious year, Jews fast to avoid physical comforts and focus entirely on atonement and reconciliation with God.12

The fast is one of five primary restrictions—along with abstaining from bathing, wearing leather shoes, applying oils or creams, and engaging in sexual relations—intended to help individuals humble themselves and dedicate the day to prayer and meditation. By setting aside these daily needs, observers seek to purify themselves and achieve forgiveness for their sins.12

This practice is deeply connected to the belief that Yom Kippur is the "Day of Judgment," when God finalizes the fates of individuals for the coming year. Through sincere repentance (teshuvah), prayer (tefilah), and charitable deeds (tzedakah), Jews aim to be inscribed in the book of life as God’s judgments are sealed at the conclusion of the holiday.2