Chronicle poll results: Fasting on Yom Kippur
We asked our readers if they were planning to fast on Yom Kippur. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Do you intend to fast on Yom Kippur this year?” Of the 258 people who responded, 47% said “Yes, no food or drink for all of Yom Kippur”; 28% said “no”; 23% said “partially”; and 2% said they weren’t sure yet. Comments were submitted by 44 people. A few follow.
One of the very few customs I continue to observe. It is no hardship at all…on the other hand, I don’t feel particularly spiritual or connected to the Jewish American world as I fast . I continue to do it because I’ve always done it…not a terribly good reason, I acknowledge.
Due to my age and health, I cannot go without any food or water. I will do the best I can.
I’m a firm believer that you should only fast to the extent that it does not jeopardize your health.
I hate fasting, but on Yom Kippur I do.
It’s a tradition; and as far as perhaps needing to avoid calories anyway after a huge Kol Nidre meal, as our people say “It couldn’t ‘hoit’” for shedding a few pounds.
Does coffee count?
Every year since my bar mitzvah in 1970.
I am unable to fast. I take medication and must take it with food. However I can and will “eat light.”
Fasting adds thoughtfulness and intention to my day.
When I spend the day in shul, in prayer and contemplation, hunger and thirst fall into the background — I have something much more important to focus on.
My first observance was last year, and I found great meaning in it and how my community came together to break the fast afterwards. PJC
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