From Rabbi Michael Levy, JDIN Advisory Board Member:
WE should not hesitate to wish people a meaningful fast.
Jason comments,
“There are many people who for health reasons cannot, should not, and will not be fasting.”
We have no idea who these people are. Some of them have hidden disabilities or chronic health problems that even their close relatives may not know about.
Leviticus commands “And you shall live by them.” This means that a person who is in any danger of dying because of s/he fasts IS OBLIGATED NOT to fast. Thus, by not fasting, s/he is fulfilling the commandment “and you shall live by them.”
There is a story (I believe true) about Jews during a cholera epidemic in Europe. People were already fainting at Kol Nidre when the fast had just begun. Some people may have died overnight.
The rabbi COMMANDED THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY after Musaf to break their fast. Cholera dehydrates yu.
Nobody would break their fast.
The rabbi himself then consulted his two assistants. They brought out wine and cake.
The rabbi turned to the congregation:
“For my entire adult life I afsted on Yom Kippur. Now, that all may live, I and my assistants WILL BE THE FIRST to stop fasting.
He recited Kiddush, drank the wine, and ate some cake. His assistants joined him.
Everybody ate….ate and cried.
Anyone who has any doubt ABOUT FASTING SHOULD CONSULT HIS/HER RABBI, WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME. The rabbi may request a medical opinion.
We are all united on Yom Kippur, regardless of how we fulfill its precepts. May God grant a year in which His Children remain united with and committed to each other.
Hmm. I understand the point of this piece and absolutely agree with the sentiment behind it. Thankfully, in my community, the rabbi has always reminded congregants that their health comes first and urged everyone not to jeopardize their own health. On the other hand, in my understanding, a meaningful fast can last an hour or half a day. It's the intention behind it and not the duration that makes it meaningful. Perhaps there is a middle ground to be found by opening up the language a little without ignoring what is, for many people, a key element of the day. Good food for thought, thank you.
From Rabbi Michael Levy, JDIN Advisory Board Member:
WE should not hesitate to wish people a meaningful fast.
Jason comments,
“There are many people who for health reasons cannot, should not, and will not be fasting.”
We have no idea who these people are. Some of them have hidden disabilities or chronic health problems that even their close relatives may not know about.
Leviticus commands “And you shall live by them.” This means that a person who is in any danger of dying because of s/he fasts IS OBLIGATED NOT to fast. Thus, by not fasting, s/he is fulfilling the commandment “and you shall live by them.”
There is a story (I believe true) about Jews during a cholera epidemic in Europe. People were already fainting at Kol Nidre when the fast had just begun. Some people may have died overnight.
The rabbi COMMANDED THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY after Musaf to break their fast. Cholera dehydrates yu.
Nobody would break their fast.
The rabbi himself then consulted his two assistants. They brought out wine and cake.
The rabbi turned to the congregation:
“For my entire adult life I afsted on Yom Kippur. Now, that all may live, I and my assistants WILL BE THE FIRST to stop fasting.
He recited Kiddush, drank the wine, and ate some cake. His assistants joined him.
Everybody ate….ate and cried.
Anyone who has any doubt ABOUT FASTING SHOULD CONSULT HIS/HER RABBI, WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME. The rabbi may request a medical opinion.
We are all united on Yom Kippur, regardless of how we fulfill its precepts. May God grant a year in which His Children remain united with and committed to each other.
We love your perspective, Carey--thank you for sharing!
Hmm. I understand the point of this piece and absolutely agree with the sentiment behind it. Thankfully, in my community, the rabbi has always reminded congregants that their health comes first and urged everyone not to jeopardize their own health. On the other hand, in my understanding, a meaningful fast can last an hour or half a day. It's the intention behind it and not the duration that makes it meaningful. Perhaps there is a middle ground to be found by opening up the language a little without ignoring what is, for many people, a key element of the day. Good food for thought, thank you.