Jewish Fasting Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters

If you’ve ever heard about Yom Kippur or the Ninth of Av and wondered why people skip meals, you’re not alone. Fasting in Judaism isn’t just about hunger; it’s a way to hit the reset button on the soul, ask for forgiveness, and remember historic events. Below we break down the big fasts, the basic rules, and some common‑sense tips to get through a fast without feeling miserable.

Main Fast Days in the Jewish Calendar

Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement – tops the list. It lasts about 25 hours, from sunset to nightfall the next day. No food, no drink, no leather shoes, and no intimate relations. The goal is total focus on prayer and repentance.

Tisha B'Av marks the destruction of the First and Second Temples. Like Yom Kippur, it’s a full‑day fast, but it’s also a day of mourning, so you’ll hear a lot of sad melodies and austere readings.

Other fasts are shorter, usually from dawn to nightfall. Fast of Esther (the day before Purim) commemorates Esther’s fasting before approaching the king. Fast of the Firstborn is observed the day before Passover; it’s a way for first‑born males to recall the sparing of Israel’s firstborn in Egypt. Fast of Gedaliah and the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz are also part of the calendar, each linked to specific tragedies.

All these fasts share a few rules: no eating or drinking, no bathing, no anointing with oil, and no wearing leather shoes. The idea is to strip away physical comfort so the mind can turn inward.

Practical Tips for Observing a Fast

Prep the night before. Eat a good meal (known as seudah) that includes protein, complex carbs, and a lot of fluid. Something like chicken, rice, and vegetables with a glass of water works well. Avoid salty foods that will make you thirsty.

Stay hydrated. Drink slowly and steadily before the fast starts. Warm water or herbal tea can help your body retain fluids.

Plan a light schedule. If possible, keep work and exercise light. Many people take a short walk after morning prayers to keep blood flowing without sweating too much.

Know the break‑fast (break‑fast) rules. When the fast ends, start with something easy on the stomach – dates, a banana, or a piece of toast. Then move to a regular meal.

Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, faint, or have a medical condition, Jewish law allows you to break the fast. Health always comes first.

Fasting isn’t meant to be a punishment; it’s a tool for self‑reflection. Whether you’re observing Yom Kippur for the first time or you’re a seasoned fast‑keeper, the experience can be surprisingly grounding. It reminds us that our spiritual life needs the same care we give to our bodies.

So next time a fast pops up on your calendar, treat it as a chance to pause, think, and reconnect with tradition. And remember – a well‑planned fast feels a lot less like a marathon and more like a meaningful pause in a busy day.