Yom Kippur Fasting

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the one of the most important days of the year for Jewish people. Coming on the tenth day of the seventh month, Tishrei, this High Holy Day is marked with prayer, repentance and fasting. From sunset on the eve of Yom Kippur to nightfall on the following day, Yom Kippur observers do not drink or eat. While certain pains are an acceptable part of the fast experience, dehydrate and illness are not. Here are tips to help you prepare for a healthy and fulfilling fast.

The Significance of Fasting

The Yom Kippur is the only fast mandated in the Torah and Bible. As the text is written,

Prior to Yom Kippur- Getting Ready

In preparation of the fast, you must make smart drink and food choices. While people can technically go without food for several weeks, people must hydrate their bodies almost daily in order not to risk health issues. So, in preparing for the Yom Kippur fast, think healthy choices.

Depending on a person's size, the human body is about 55% to 78% water. Staying adequately hydrated will be tricky during Yom Kippur, which occurs during the warm fall months. Drinking plenty of water prior to the fast will be crucial. Drinks about two quarts of water, and even a bit of diluted juice, to help prepare your body. Pass up those liguids that tend to dehydrate the body. Sodas, coffee, teas, beer and other alcoholic beverages should be avoided.

In addition to dehydation, consider the impact certain food withdrawals will have on your body. For those hooked on the morning coffee or heavy sweets, you may want to start tapering off these items at least a week or more before your Yom Kippur fast.

Although you will be depriving your body of food for 25 hours, you should not try to gorge prior to Yom Kippur. You should eat healthy meals. Avoid heavy or salty foods which will make you feel thirsty. Prior to the fast, eat starchy food (carbohydrates) and stay away from heavy and fatty foods. The rationale behind this tip is that carbohydrates contain water, while fats and proteins do not. These starches will serve as a back-up reservoir for your body.

Also, while you may concentrate on food and water, it is important that you feel good before your fast. Be sure to get adequate rest and take part in activities that do not stress the body or mind.

During Yom Kippur

During Yom Kippur, keeping yourself occupied is important. Attending synagogue and prayer will help in this respect. Being surrounded by people on the same spiritual quest will help you focus on the meaning and important of your fast.

If you don't attend services all day, consider taking it easy at home. Naps, talk a walk in the fresh air, reading and watching TV may also help you focus on other things besides food. Stay from things, magazines, programs or people, which remind or mention food, water or other drinks.

Certain things are allows on Yom Kippur and one of these is sniffing spices. This act is seen as restorative. During breaks in service, some people pass and sniff a b'samim box. This wards off feelings of hunger. At home, a mix of cinnamon and cloves may do the trick as well.

Just as you do for the weather, dress appropriately for Yom Kippur. Comfortable clothing will help you feel less constricted and cool on those warm autumn days.

After the Yom Kippur Fast

Once the shofar sounds on Yom Kippur, the fast is over. When the Separation Recital is done, a Yom Kippur observer is free to eat. After a long and difficult fast, a person should be careful not to binge. After this High Holy Day, some folks eat dairy and others share cakes and tea. Light foods, including bagels, cream cheese and lox, would be a good choice as well. Eating in moderation is the key.

Yom Kippur is one of the happiest and most important days of a Jewish person's life. The Yom Kippur fast, which is observed by all, except those who are pregnant, nursing, under a doctor's care or under bar/bat mitzvah age, is a very spiritually challenging and fulfilling mitzvah. So, enjoy this holiest of holidays by preparing ahead for a healthy fast.

For more information on this High Holy Day or fasting for Yom Kippur or fasting, check out the following websites:

http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday4.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_2301965_fast-yom-kippur.html

http://joi.org/celebrate/yomkippur/fasting.shtml

http://www.jewfaq.org/fasttips.htm