A Fasting Meditation
By Aron Moss
 | I understand that fasting on Yom Kippur is supposed to make me focus on my soul rather than my body. But by around lunch time I am so hungry that for the rest of the day all I can think about is food. Doesn't this defeat the purpose?
16 Comments Posted
Interesting explanation of the spiritual value of fasting
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Thank you for this beautiful article.
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To make fasting easy you have to practice. You will never become an observer of your body if you do not start to practice accompanied by a knowlegeable rabbi in this matters, right at the end of Yom Kipur; so, if you are disciplinned enough by next Yom Kipur you might be ready.
Kipur does not mean fasting; It means forgiveness. Forgive yourself for not allowing your belief system to accompany your soul instead of your mind. Practice Silence. You should listen instead of talking during that day. Shema Israel: If you are not quiet you will not listen A'Shem. You shoulld practice forgiveness and silence everyday.
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interesting question because as you, i see my reflection that should be reconecting with G-d continuously; is it that fasting is such an easy task it if is that at all a task; should i be immersing my self in the food of life Yom Kipper atonement with G-d feeding the soul that we are? or should i let the prayers of the day take hold of me as i become filled with word of the Torah? is there then any time that i should have thots of food for the flesh the other 365 days of the year? or is it that if i let go and eat the food from heaven the Torah that i wont be aware of for 25 hours that i have my flesh?
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Bravo Rabbi Moss, It's so amazing, I can read it, hear it, and honesly feel that my body is just the outer shell, and I keep forgetting... Thanks for reminding me that I am not only my body.. that I must care for this body, and know that my soul is here for a higher purpose....
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so many people foolishly equate yom kippur with fasting. nothing could be more incorrect.. the fast is an attempt to reduce one's body functions to help concentrate on prayer this holiest day. if fasting causes discomfort it achieves the opposite result. shame on the rabbis for not making this clear to the congregations!
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The only way to get to your soul is trough you body. Practice breathing, silence, pray everyday before you engage in fasting for Yom Kipur. Ask your Rabbi to teach you now so by next Yom Kipur you might be ready. Fasting without concious breathing and silence will make things difficult. It takes more than one day to get into fasting and Yom Kipur.
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Due to my somewhat fragile health situation, my doctor has told me for the past several years not to fast. Yes, I can cut back, but fasting totally could harm me. I know that I'm only a soul and not a body but without the body to support the soul, I'd be history.
From what I have heard, in this case is it permissible to take nourishment, so I do, but only in limited quantities.
My love to all Jews in the world.
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Thank you Rabbi Moss, I always enjoy reading your answers and love the way you always take the question with a twist! This particular question is one that i was contemplating during the very long Rosh Hashona service. I am so glad to have found this article, it will help me to focus my thoughts and stop me from feeling guilty for feeling my hunger during such a holy time. We are a body and soul and both are needed in order for us to fulfill our G-dly purpose in this world. Each holiday and Jewish observance gives us a chance to focus on a particular aspect of this body/soul combo. Easy fast to you all and may we celebrate this Yom Kippur together with the entire nation with the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. AMEN!
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Just think for 26 whole hours [8 hours of it sleeping] !! Then contemplate people who get nothing to eat for days in poverty areas. so whats to kvetch about?
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if this will help you:
i've had a neck injury that has affected the swallowing function of my throat.
in other words, no solid foods since about the 18th/19th of September.
G-d is sustaining me.
maybe this is His way of calling me to fast, i don't know, but i must be obedient to it.
i just want you to know that you can do this.
you really can. it's about not letting your appetite command your life. it helps you put a harness on your desires, to contain them.
let's do this, and devote ourselves to G-d.
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My heartfelt prayers for you Beverly. I had also been in a very fragile health condition and am now much better. Thank G-d! May G-d send you a full and speedy recovery!
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Thanks, Rachel. My conditions are permanent but I don't mind it at all. People can't understand why I'm very happy even though tormented and in agony at times. I am NOT my body. I am a SOUL. I've learned how to "divorce" my body from my soul so that even though the body is in pain, my soul isn't. I have a great wheelchair for when I go out and another for when I'm inside and again, I don't resent for an instant being in one. It is FUN to zip around at about seven MPH while others have to schlep along at a more leisurely pace. Just because one is disabled doesn't mean that they have to be miserable. I pity the so-called "able bodied" people who don't enjoy their lives as much as I do. I was happy before I became chronically ill and am just as happy now. Should I be grateful for the blessings G-d pours out in good health but not in illness? Life is too short to waste a moment on self-pity.
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If you compare the fast of Tisha B'Av to the fast of Yom Kippur, you gain some insight into the different meaning of fasting on each day. On Tisha B'Av, we are mourners. The Holy Ark is covered with a black paroches (curtain), people sit on the floor and cry, we hear about disasters that befell the Jewish people on this day. On Yom Kippur, we are angels. The Holy Ark is covered with a white paroches (curtain), people dress in white, we hear about how the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies. On Tisha B'Av we can't eat because of our overwhelming grief. On Yom Kippur we can't eat because of our exalted spiritual level. Neither day is fasting intended to be a punishment. Those with medical issues should discuss it beforehand with a sympathetic and knowledgeable rabbi.
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Thank you for those who have replied to me. When I wrote the first time I was facing two major surgeries, one on my back the other to rectify a hernia just above my diaphragm that was impeding my ability to breath. The neurosurgeon said that I don't need my back operated on as what a MRI showed that the growth on my spine was a birth defect. Then the hernia repaired itself. NO SURGERY! Thank G-d! Now all I need is a torn muscle in my shoulder and I'm home free. Unfortunately, I still can't do a total fast, but I know G-d understands.
May we all have a wonderful and sweet 5770.
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