How to Observe the Yom Kippur Fast

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Rate: (8 Ratings)

The Yom Kippur fast is an important part of observing this holy day. Because Yom Kippur is a day of self-denial, Jews abstain from the pleasure of food and focus instead on repentance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Matzohs
  • Jewish Prayer Books (mahzorim)

Step1
Eat a meal before sunset on the day before Yom Kippur.
Step2
Abstain from any food or water until sunset on Yom Kippur, if you are a healthy adult and are not pregnant or nursing. Some people modify the fast by abstaining from food but allowing water.
Step3
Avoid work and activity, and spend the day quietly reflecting on the sins of the past year.
Step4
Gather with your friends and family after sundown to break the fast. Say a motzi (blessing) over the bread, and serve light foods that are easy to digest.

Tips & Warnings

  • Cut back on caffeine a few days before the fast to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and irritability.

Comments

| View All Comments
Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Yom Kippur ends at nightfall on the day after it starts. The fast lasts 25 hours, from sunset to nightfall of the following day. It does not end at sunset.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 We used to play charades to keep the kids from whining about not having the TV on.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Observe the Yom Kippur Fast

eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Related Ads