Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Long Fasts Like Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av

The long fasts of the year, such as Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av, last about 25 hours and often cause unnecessary stress before they begin. This stress leads many people to make harmful mistakes in their preparation, including overeating heavy meals and drinking excessive water at the last minute. Overloading the stomach with large quantities of food during the pre-fast meal forces the body to expend excessive energy on digestion, causing fatigue, heartburn, and increased hunger soon after. Experts recommend eating a balanced meal with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates that digest slowly, while avoiding salty foods.

Another common error is trying to compensate for fluid loss by drinking large amounts of water right before the fast. The body cannot absorb such a volume quickly, which overwhelms the kidneys and leads to rapid fluid loss and early dehydration symptoms. Instead, it is advised to hydrate gradually throughout the day before the fast, consuming small amounts of water every hour or two.

A third mistake is panicking over the expected discomfort and hunger during the fast. Psychological stress triggers hormones that increase heart rate and intensify suffering, contributing to weakness and headaches. It is important to remember that the human body can safely endure a 24-hour fast, and maintaining a calm mindset is crucial for a smoother and healthier fasting experience.