Fasting: Why Bother?

In many countries, the New Year on the secular calendar is welcomed with revelry, drinking and feasting. When done in moderation, it is an enjoyable time of celebration, no doubt. For observant Jews the new year of 2015 was welcomed in an much different manner. January first, 2015 coincided with the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tevet - a fast day. From morning until evening, eating and drinking are prohibited. No doubt this unusual conflict between the secular and religious observances raises many questions in the minds of those who are new to Torah observance. Not the least among these questions is: Why fast?

Let's begin with understanding the basics of Jewish fasting. 

Fasting is not a punishment. Our Heavenly Father is not sending us to bed without our supper! Rather it is a means to an end. When we deny ourselves food and drink, we are able to set aside the mundane, physical needs of existence and focus on what matters most in our lives. Is a good meal the source of happiness for us? Must we set priority on satisfying our physical needs? Or is there something deeper, more spiritual that is the real basis for our joy?

Fasting also enables us to root out those flaws that keep us from enjoying the blessing - both spiritual and temporal - that G-d gives us. Are there thing in our live for which we must repent? Changes that must be made? When we look beneath the outer trapping of life, we discover who we are at the spiritual core of our lives. We become better able to face life's challenges and enjoy its benefits.

There are several fast days throughout the Jewish year: 

Fast of Gedaliah, Yom Kippur, tenth of Tevet, Fast of Esther, seventeenth of Tammuz, ninth of Av. Click on the related links below to learn more about these fasts.

There are some basic rules that apply to all fasts

(except the ninth of Av and Yom Kippur which are major fasts and have other rules.)

• Men and women who are above the age of bar or bat mitzvah abstain from food and drink from dawn until dark. (Check with your local rabbi for exact fast times where you live.)
• Women who are pregnant or nursing should check with their rabbi and personal physician before fasting. Anyone who is sick or unwell should also consult his/her rabbi.
• If possible, attend services at your synagogue. There are additional prayers added on fast days and the Torah is read in the morning service.
• When the date of the fast occurs on Shabbat, the fast is postponed until Sunday.

Even though fasting may be difficult and require unusual discipline, I encourage you to observe these fast days. I know that you will find them fulfilling and spiritually strengthening. May we be enabled to live according to G-d's plan and merit to see the coming of Moshiach speedily and in our days.

Related links:
"Fasting: Uncovering Our Essence (Aish.com)
"Fast Days: Days of Opportunity" (Chabad.org)