Various Traditional Customs in the Synagogue and Home Emphasize the Day's Distinctive Message. If Not Held before Rosh Ha-Shanah, an Absolution of Vows Ceremony Often Takes Place in Orthodox Congregations on the Eve of Atonement Day. Afternoon Prayers Are Recited Earlier than Normal, the Amidah Being Extended by the Two (Ashamnu and Al Het) Formulas of Confession. Some Orthodox Jews Customarily Immerse Themselves in a Mikveh (Ritual Bath), as a Sign of Purification, before the Fast Commences. At Home, a Se'udah Mafseket ("Final Meal") Is Eaten; Prior to Lighting the Festival Candles, a Special Memorial Light Is Kindled to Burn Throughout the Day and Leather Shoes Are Replaced by Non-Leather Shoes or Slippers before Worshipers Leave for the Synagogue. The Tallit (Prayer Shawl) Is Worn Continuously at All Services, Including Those Held after Dark. Since the Color White Is a Traditional Symbol of Purity and Forgiveness, a White Curtain (Parokhet) Adorns the Synagogue Ark and the Scrolls of the Law; the Reader's Desk and Other Furnishings Are Also Draped in White (as on Rosh Ha-Shanah). In Ashkenazi Congregations, the Rabbi, Cantor, and Other Officiants Wear a White Kitel or Gown, This Practice Often Being Followed by Other Male Worshipers in Orthodox Synagogues. Sephardim Do Not Observe This Custom, Although They May Dress in White.

Five Services Are Held on the Day of Atonement, Beginning with Kol Nidre (the Common Name for the Initial Evening Service, so-Called after Its Introductory Declarations) Soon after the Fast Commences, Proceeding with Festive Morning, Additional, and Afternoon Prayers, and Ending with Ne'ilah (the Concluding Service). Apart from an Extended Amidah, Each Service Has Its Own Special Features and Characteristic Liturgy. Common to All of Them, However, Is the Viddu'i or Confession of Sins. Both the Shorter Confession and the Longer One Are Written in the First Person Plural to Emphasize Collective Responsibility for the Individual, and the Individual's Responsibility for His Community. In Some Liturgies, Ancient and Modern, Room Is Also Made for the Confession of Personal Failings. Almost as Frequent Is the Penitential Avinu Malkenu Litany; When the Day of Atonement Coincides with a Sabbath, However, Ashkenazim Only Recite This on Friday Morning and at the End of Ne'ilah.

Except in a Minority of Reform Congregations in the United States, the Kol Nidre Declaration of Annulment of Hasty Vows Made by Man to God Is Recited Universally on the Eve of Yom Kippur (by Ashkenazim in Aramaic and by Sephardim in Hebrew). It Was a Custom (Now Only among the Very Orthodox) to Spend the Night in Synagogue Reciting the Entire Book of Psalms and Other Readings. Sephardi and Reform Jews Recite Memorial Prayers (See Memorial Prayers and Services) on Kol Nidre Night.

In Addition to Penitential Selihot and Other Hymns, the Morning Service Includes a Prescribed Torah Reading (Lev. 16) Which Sets Forth the Day of Atonement Ritual in the Sanctuary, a Maftir Passage (Num. 29:7-11) on the Various Festival Sacrifices, and a Haftarah Prophetical Reading (Isa. 57:14-58:14) Which Describes the Kind of Fast Day That Is Truly Acceptable to God. Ashkenazim (except Reform Jews) Then Recite Yizkor (Memorial Prayers), While Sephardi and Eastern Communities Repeat Their Hashkavah Service.