Jewish Holidays

During Shaĥarit and Minĥa of public fast days, we read the section of the Torah that describes how God forgave Israel after the sin of the Golden Calf .

The Sages prescribed the addition of a special berakha during the ĥazan’s repetition of the Amida on fast days.

The prophets and the Sages instituted the fasts for healthy people, not for sick people. anyone who is sick is exempt from fasting, even if his condition is not life-threatening.

The Halacah of fasts reguarding Minors, Bridegrooms, and Soldiers.

Pregnant and nursing women must fast on Tisha Be-Av. However, pregnant and nursing women need not fast on the minor fast.

One who accidentally eats or drinks on a fast day must continue fasting, because these days were instituted as fast days due to the distress that we experienced on them.

Le-khatĥila, one should not wash his mouth on the minor fasts, because there is concern that one might swallow drops of water.

Even though the fast starts at alot ha-shaĥar, one’s prohibition to eat sometimes begins the night before.

since we no longer suffer from harsh decrees and religious persecution, and, on the other hand, the Holy Temple is still in ruins, the status of the minor fasts currently depends on the will of the Jewish people.

The Jewish people observe all the fasts, even in the intermediate situation, and therefore all Jews are obligated to fast on these days.