Fasting

Most Israeli Jews fast on Yom Kippur, while over half take part in prayer services, survey finds

Only a small number of those reported to be fasting partially or not at all are older people, according to the survey data, suggesting that the reasons are more linked to health or principle.

A Jewish man blows a shofar at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City during the final Selichot prayers ahead of Yom Kippur, September 19, 2026.
 Boxes of Ozempic, a semaglutide injection drug used for treating type 2 diabetes made by Novo Nordisk, is seen at a Rock Canyon Pharmacy in Provo, Utah, U.S. March 29, 2023.

Could Ozempic make the Yom Kippur fast easier? Here’s what researchers found

One might think this should be the moment of our greatest anxiety.

'Go, eat with joy': The surprising truth about Yom Kippur

An ultra-Orthodox jew prays at the Westen Wall July 17, 2002 on Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av 2026: Fast times for Israel and US


17th of Tammuz: A time of mourning and fasting

The minor fast on the 17th of Tammuz lasts just from sunrise to sunset. Only eating and drinking are prohibited.

The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70

Intermittent fasting offers more than just weight loss

Alternate day fasting shows slightly greater weight loss but higher dropout rates, longer trials needed for definitive conclusions.

 Intermittent fasting offers more than just weight loss.

Does intermittent fasting really work? - opinion

Combining an intermittent fast over nighttime with a high-quality plant-based diet and exercise will go a long way toward "adding hours to your days, days to your years, and years to your lives."

 Food organized in a refrigerator.

How the liver remembers: The science behind intermittent fasting - study

The researchers concluded that their findings provide a deeper understanding of how repeated environmental signals, such as fasting, affect the behavior of cells and adaptation of the metabolism.

THE STUDY highlights how the body adjusts to recurring nutritional challenges.

Yom Kippur: Solidarity, compassion, and forgiveness

If we make a habit of displaying undeserved grace and kindness to others, including those who have committed wrongs against us, then we are guaranteed to earn this same undeserved grace from God.

 An illustrative of a road sign saying "Forgive Yourself."

Yom Kippur: Your guide to Judaism's holiest day - explainer

As Judaism's most important holiday, Yom Kippur holds a level of significance across all Jewish denominations, as well as on the spectrum of religious observance.

 An illustrative image of a Torah scroll and a shofar for Yom Kippur.

Tisha B'Av: Embracing unity to overcome baseless hatred - opinion

The ancient sages were clear: the antidote to sinat chinam is ahavat chinam – boundless love.

 PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG delivers a video address from Jerusalem at a rally in solidarity with Israel and against antisemitism, in Washington, DC, last November. The event was a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we come together, says the writer.

'Kinah Beeri': Tisha B’Av 2024 to reflect October 7 horrors, Jewish resilience

This year's Tisha B’Av takes on deeper meaning as new kinot, including the "Kinah of Beeri," reflect the sorrow and resilience after the October 7th tragedy.

 WORSHIPERS SIT on the ground as a sign of mourning on Tisha Be’av last year at the Western Wall

The fast of the 17th of Tammuz reminds us of the breaching of Israel's walls time and time again

These days, we are called upon to ask the hardest questions—about ourselves and our destiny—questions about our worldview as a people: what is our role, how will we unite?

The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70

Fast of the 17th of Tammuz: Times and customs

See fast start and end times for your area.

The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70