How to Survive the Yom Kippur Fast

Yom Kippur is among the best-known and most-observed Jewish holidays, even among those Jews who do not describe themselves as religious. This day includes extensive prayer and a 25-hour fast, which many find challenging. However, it is not difficult to survive and even thrive during the long Yom Kippur fast if you are adequately prepared for it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Prepare for the fast at least a few days ahead of schedule, preferably a week. Gorging yourself on food and drink at the last minute is not a helpful introduction to the fast.

2. Cut down on coffee, alcohol, cigarettes and salt for a few days prior to the fast. These substances deplete the body of water and can lead to dehydration.

3. Drink more than the recommended eight glasses of water a day for a few days before the fast, especially on the last day.

4. Eat moderately-sized, well-balanced meals in the days leading up to Yom Kippur. Take a vitamin and mineral supplement as well.

5. Consume a high-protein and high-carbohydrate meal before the fast. This will give you energy to sustain you throughout the day.

6. Try an herbal preparation that will ease the fast. You can ask for information at your health food store or drugstore.

7. Keep busy during the fast. The services for Yom Kippur last all day, so you should be occupied and not thinking about food.

Tips & Warnings

• Think of the fast as an athletic event that requires preparation. This will enable you to view the fast in a positive light and feel motivated to make it meaningful.
• Do not assume that you do or do not have to fast if you are pregnant, nursing or have just given birth. Ask a rabbi if you are in these situations.
• Never fast if you feel you are becoming seriously ill. The great Torah scholar, Chayei Adam, writes that one who fasts when he is very ill is committing as great a sin as someone who is healthy and refuses to fast.

Resources

• This site contains information about Judaism in general, and a wealth of information about Yom Kippur.
• This site has extensive information about Judaism and particularly about Yom Kippur.