How to Prepare for the Yom Kippur Fast

During Yom Kippur, the Jewish holiday also known as the Day of Atonement, adults are required to refrain from eating or drinking for a 25-hour period from one-half hour before sundown until nightfall the next day. By properly preparing your body for this "affliction of the soul," as it is known, you can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with the fast.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plenty of water
• High-carbohydrate, low-sodium foods for Seudah Mafseket

Prepare for the Yom Kippur Fast

1. Reduce and eventually eliminate the amount of caffeine, refined sugar and tobacco products you consume in the days leading up to the Yom Kippur fast. A sudden "cold turkey" approach may increase the chance of headaches and withdrawal symptoms during the fast.

2. Drink plenty of water on the day prior to Yom Kippur. This will help you to digest all of the food eaten at the Seudah Mafseket feast more easily, and will help prevent dehydration during the fast.

3. Prepare fish or poultry for the morning meal on the day before Yom Kippur begins. This will help you to store more energy later on, since other meats are prohibited on this day.

4. Partake in the Seudah Mafseket ("last meal") feast. Eat only foods that are not heavily seasoned or salted, which can aggravate dehydration later. Prepare foods that are filling and high in carbohydrates, such as kreplach (dumplings), rice and bread.

5. Brush your teeth thoroughly just after the Seudah Mafseket, and just before sundown. This will help to reduce the bad breath that occurs during fasting periods.

6. Conserve your energy once you have started the fast. Take a nap halfway through the day, and reduce physical activity. Generally, your body will tell you what you can and cannot do during a fast, so listen to it. Most of all, try not to talk with others about food or how hungry you are, which will make you even hungrier.

Tips & Warnings

• While fasting is required of all healthy Jewish adults, it is not required of children or anyone whose health might be adversely affected by fasting. If you are unsure how your body will react to an entire day of fasting, consult with your doctor first.
• Do not consume any alcohol prior to the fast, since it can increase the chances of dehydration.
• Take care not to overeat, since this may stretch out the stomach and cause hunger pangs to reappear quicker the next day.