Good Signing or G'mar Chatima Tova? A Fun Guide to Yom Kippur Greetings

Explore the differences, traditions, and unique blessings of the High Holidays

As Yom Kippur approaches, and during the day itself, you might hear people saying either "חתימה טובה" or "גמר חתימה טובה." The difference between these greetings mainly lies in tradition: those from Sephardic communities tend to say "חתימה טובה," while many Ashkenazi Jews say "גמר חתימה טובה" (sometimes abbreviated as גמח"ט or גח"ט) or simply "גמר טוב."

Some people are careful to wish "חתימה טובה" until Yom Kippur, and from Yom Kippur until Hoshana Rabbah, they switch to "גמר חתימה טובה." This custom has historical support from a list of greetings and polite expressions compiled by the Language Committee back in 1928. This practice, which may be the origin of the phrase "גמר חתימה טובה," is rooted in the Kabbalistic idea that the final judgment is sealed on Hoshana Rabbah.

If you’re wondering why we say "גמר חתימה טובה" and not "גמר חתימה טוב," the answer lies in how the words combine: "גמר" (completion) + "חתימה טובה" (a good sealing), where the adjective "טובה" describes the "חתימה."

Bonus Fun Fact:

In Yemenite Jewish communities, different blessings are used during the High Holidays. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, one might say to a friend, "תִּכָּתֵב בְּסֵפֶר הַחַיִּים וּבְסֵפֶר הַזִּכָּרוֹן" (you will be inscribed in the Book of Life and the Book of Remembrance). For a woman, they’d say, "תִּכָּתֵבִי," and for a group, "תִּכָּתֵבוּ." The person receiving the blessing responds, "וְאַתָּה תיכתב" (and you will be inscribed as well). This exchange continues until the end of Yom Kippur. After the fast, the custom is to say, "תְּבֻשָּׂר" (or the feminine "תְּבֻשָּׂרִי" and plural "תְּבֻשָּׂרוּ"), meaning "you will be blessed with forgiveness, pardon, and atonement." The response? "וְאַתָּה תבושר" (and you will be blessed as well). Take note of the special verb forms—these are unique "pausal forms."

So, whether you're wishing someone a "חתימה טובה" or "גמר חתימה טובה," may we all receive blessings and, of course, may all the captives return home. Now!