Yom Kippur Essentials: A Complete Checklist
The Yom Kippur essentials usually begin with a machzor in the right nusach, a kittel if that is your minhag, Selichos or Tehillim, learning seforim for preparation, candles, and a few items that help children and guests through the day.
Minhagim vary by family and kehillah, so use this as a shopping checklist and ask your rav about practice-specific questions.
Browse Yom Kippur 5787 essentials and Yom Kippur machzorim.
Machzor
Choose the machzor by nusach first, then language, size, translation, and commentary. A comfortable machzor matters on Yom Kippur because the tefillos are long and the page needs to be easy to follow.
If you are unsure what to buy, read the machzor buying guide.
Kittel and white accessories
Many men wear a kittel on Yom Kippur, depending on minhag. Choose by size, fit, and style, and leave time to confirm the fit. Some families also look for white yarmulkes or other white accessories.
Browse kittels and the kittel buying guide.
Selichos, Tehillim, and learning
Selichos, Tehillim, teshuvah seforim, mussar books, and machzor commentaries can help make the preparation more focused. Choose books that match the reader’s level and will actually be used before or during the season.
Browse Selichos, Elul and teshuvah seforim, and Yom Kippur and Yamim Noraim books.
Candles and home items
Many families prepare candles for Erev Yom Kippur and related minhagim. Exact practice varies, so follow your family custom. Check the live product page for current sizes and availability before ordering.
Children and family preparation
Children’s books can help explain teshuvah, tefillah, the shofar, and the seriousness of the day in an age-appropriate way. A simple book read before Yom Kippur can be more useful than trying to explain everything on the day itself.
Browse Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur children’s books and read the children’s Yamim Noraim books guide.
Quick checklist
- Yom Kippur machzor in the correct nusach
- Kittel, if worn by family minhag
- White yarmulke or accessories, where relevant
- Selichos and Tehillim
- Teshuvah or mussar seforim
- Candles and home preparation items
- Children’s books or quiet reading for younger family members
Prepare early, but keep claims current
Shop early for the best selection, especially when fit or nusach matters. Avoid assuming any item is still in stock; check the live page before buying. Browse Yom Kippur essentials, machzorim, and kittels.