FASTING, that is, complete or partial abstinence from nourishment, is an almost universal phenomenon within both Eastern and Western cultures. Although fasting has been and continues to be subscribed to for a variety of reasons, the present article...

abstinence from food or drink or both for ritualistic, mystical, ascetic, or other religious or ethical purposes. The abstention may be complete or partial, lengthy or of short duration. Fasting has been practiced from antiquity worldwide by the...

Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from eating for an extended period of time. It is a controversial procedure. Many people believe that fasting is an easy way to give the digestive system a rest to allow the body to rid itself of toxins and wastes....

Fasting or sawm is regarded in the as very important. It helps us control our physical urges and trains us to obey the Word of God. A major fast runs from the sighting of the new moon that begins the month of Ramadan to the end of the lunar month:...

Abstaining from food, usually for religious or ethical reasons. In ancient religions it was used to prepare worshipers or priests to approach deities, to pursue a vision, to demonstrate penance for sins, or to assuage an angered deity. All the major...

Abstention from taking food. Individuals may fast as a sign of *repentance or *mourning. Through fasting, atonement can be made for *sin. The whole community observes specific fast days (see *FASTS). The two major fasts, *Tishah B’Av and *Yom...

Better to be out of the world than out of fashion. (Portuguese) Everyone after his fashion. (English) Fashion is a tyrant from which there is no deliverance; all must conform to its whims. (French) Fashion is more powerful than any tyrant. (Roman)...

A fast day is the eve of a feast day. (Spanish) A fast is better than a bad meal. (Irish) After Christmas comes Lent. (German) Every fast day has three feast days. (German) Fasting is the best medicine. (Indian) He who has little to eat fasts well...

See *FASTING, *ESTHER, FAST OF, *FIRST-BORN, FAST OF, *TISHAH B’AV, *YOM...

Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. Concerning that from which one fasts, and the period of fasting, a fast may be total or partial. Fasting practices may preclude sexual...