A millennium-old Jewish practice that warns against water consumption during specific calendar transitions continues to spark debate among contemporary religious authorities.

The Hebrew calendar divides the year into four seasonal periods – Tishrei, Tevet, Nisan, and Tammuz. During the transitions between these seasons, some communities traditionally abstain from drinking water, believing it could pose serious health risks.

The practice's origins trace to the Geonic period over a thousand years ago, documented in Responsa literature that offers two primary explanations: the changeover of guardian angels between seasons, and a symbolic avoidance of beginning new periods with water, considered an elemental substance.

Rabbi David Stav, chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, points to several factors that have diminished the custom's observance in modern times. "The Yaavetz [Rabbi Yaakov Emden] established that customs absent from the Talmud carry no binding obligation. Additionally, modern plumbing systems, which use iron pipes, may nullify the original concerns."

Contemporary religious authorities remain divided along traditional lines. While Ashkenazi leaders like Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky noted the custom's absence in prominent households such as that of the Chazon Ish, significant Sephardic authorities maintain its relevance.

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef advocated continuing the practice, recommending abstention from water thirty minutes before and after seasonal transitions. His position reflects broader Sephardic adherence to the custom, which persists in communities from Jerusalem to Tunisia.

The debate extends beyond mere tradition. Rabbi Meir Mazuz, citing his father Rabbi Matzliach Mazuz, suggests modern health issues might stem from disregarding this practice. Meanwhile, Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Basri emphasizes its mystical significance, referencing the Zohar's teaching about heightened divine judgment during these transitions.

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As Yom Kippur 2024 approaches, Jews worldwide prepare for the most solemn day in the year. This comprehensive guide provides essential information on fasting times, prayer schedules, and customs associated with the Day of Atonement, offering both practical and spiritual insights for observant Jews and those interested in understanding this significant holiday.

Yom Kippur 2024 will be observed from Friday, October 11, to Saturday, October 12.

Fasting times:

Fasting start times on Friday, October 11, 2024 (9th of Tishrei 5785):

1. Jerusalem - 5:35 PM
2. Tel Aviv - 5:52 PM

Fasting end times on Saturday, October 12, 2024 (10th of Tishrei 5785):

1. Jerusalem - 6:47 PM
2. Tel Aviv - 6:49 PM

Yom Kippur prayers and prayer times 2024:

1. Kol Nidre and Aravit: Immediately after the start of the fast.
2. Shacharit: On the morning of Yom Kippur, after sunrise.
3. Musaf: After the morning prayer.
4. Mincha: In the afternoon.
5. Neilah: In the last hours of the fast, before nightfall.

Preparing the body before the fast:

Preparation for the fast begins a few days before Yom Kippur. It's important to drink enough water (at least 12 cups a day) so that the body doesn't enter the fast in a state of partial dehydration.

Additionally, it's advisable to gradually reduce the consumption of caffeine and sweetened drinks in the days leading up to the fast to avoid headaches or feelings of fatigue. Balanced meals containing complex carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables can help the body get through the fast more easily.

How and what to eat in The Meal Before the Fast (Seudah HaMafseket):

Eat a balanced meal, until you're full, but avoid overeating.

Eat in the afternoon rather than right before the fast to avoid feeling heavy during the fast.

Include a mix of carbohydrates (such as rice or pasta), protein (chicken, meat, or fish), fat (like tahini or avocado), and raw or cooked vegetables.

Avoid desserts - cakes, fruits, and sugary foods - as they tend to increase hunger and thirst later.

For vegetarians and vegans, it's important not to skip protein. Consider eating dishes with tofu, lentils, or chickpeas.

Answers to common questions:

How many candles are lit on Yom Kippur Eve? On Yom Kippur Eve, it is customary to light two candles.

Is it permissible to brush your teeth on Yom Kippur? According to Jewish law, it is forbidden to brush teeth on Yom Kippur, due to the concern of swallowing water. If necessary, one can use a small amount of water and ensure it is not swallowed.

Is it permissible to shower on Yom Kippur? On Yom Kippur, it is forbidden to bathe, except for washing hands with cold water up to the knuckles for hygienic purposes only.

When is the Shofar blown on Yom Kippur? The shofar blowing on Yom Kippur is one of the central moments of the holy day, symbolizing the end of the fast and the conclusion of the Day of Judgment. The shofar is blown after the Neilah prayer, at the end of the fast, when the stars have already come out.

Who is exempt from fasting?

Pregnant women: A woman with a normal pregnancy is required to fast. However, if she experiences severe headaches or vomiting, she may drink in small amounts. If this is insufficient, she is allowed to drink freely. In the case of regular contractions or water breaking, she is permitted to drink freely, and if necessary, to eat as well.

Postpartum women: A woman who has given birth within 72 hours prior to Yom Kippur is not required to fast. If the birth occurred within seven days of the fast, and she or her doctor advises it, she should drink and eat in small portions. If this is not enough, she can eat and drink normally.

Miscarriage: A woman who has had a miscarriage after 40 days of pregnancy is considered to have the status of a woman who has given birth for the purposes of the fasting laws.

Nursing women: If there is concern that fasting might reduce milk production for the baby, a nursing mother may drink in small amounts.

Medical professionals: Nurses and doctors in emergency departments, if fasting impairs their professional performance due to difficult conditions (masks, cumbersome attire), are permitted to drink in small amounts in cases of weakness or decreased functioning.

Patients in danger: A patient whose life is in immediate danger must eat and drink immediately, without needing to consult a rabbi. Even in cases of possible danger, one must eat immediately.

Patients not in danger: Patients who are not in immediate danger but feel that fasting may put them at risk are allowed to eat and drink in small portions.

Portions for eating and drinking: For those who need to eat or drink in small portions, they may consume about 30 cc (or 30 grams for Sephardim) every seven minutes and drink about 40 cc every seven minutes.

Faster drinking intervals: In cases where small portions of drinking are insufficient, it is preferable to drink at shorter intervals, every four minutes, or even every five seconds if necessary. This is preferable to continuous drinking.

After eating: After a patient has eaten or drank, if they no longer need to continue eating to avoid danger, they must stop, even in small portions.

Medications: A patient who is not in danger may take dry medications without water if necessary.

Eating on Yom Kippur with permission: Someone who is permitted to eat on Yom Kippur should wash their hands normally up to the wrist, rather than just up to the knuckles.

IV on the fast: A healthy person is not allowed to receive an IV on Yom Kippur to ease the difficulty of fasting.

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