Fasting And Not Fasting

As we approach the Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur, it is interesting what people believe and try to do. The holiday includes a full 25 hour fast, with nothing to eat or drink (including water). However, if you have a medical issue, than you are required to take care of it instead of fasting.

My mother-in-law is diabetic. It is important that she eat on a regular basis to keep the blood sugar at consistent levels. Every year she tells us she is not going to fast (when my wife asks), but every year she ends up fasting.

As my mother-in-law continues to rehab, it is important that she build up her strength, keep it up to the level it is now. She should be eating.

I do not know what she will do. The problem is, many of us how it so ingrained in our brains that we do what we need to, to make sure we fast. Truth is, if there is a medical reason, not only is eat permissible to eat, it is a requirement.

It would be nice if, in addition to trying to fast, we understood our body’s needs and were willing to make sure they are met, if the situation is like or death.


G’mar Hatima Tova!