A Popular Dictionary of Judaism
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 Kippur last from sunset to sunset and involve abstention from food, drink, sexual intercourse and wearing leather. The other fasts last from sunrise to sunset and only involve avoiding food and drink.
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