Guidance for Physicians on the Yom Kippur Fast

Abstract

It is important for physicians to understand the role they play in guiding their Jewish patients’ decisions on whether to fast on Yom Kippur. While the Yom Kippur fast is one of the most important spiritual events of the year, it is also prohibited if fasting will endanger one’s health. This article presents the Talmudic laws on fasting on Yom Kippur, interviews with 11 Georgetown students and faculty on the subjective importance of the fast, and a review of medical literature regarding contraindications to fasting. In conclusion, based on interviews and Talmudic passages, fasting is an important aspect of Yom Kippur and remains meaningful to Jewish people today. A review of contemporary research indicates fasting is primarily contraindicated by metabolic disorders that carry a risk of hypoglycemia and psychiatric eating disorders. Physicians should understand the nuances of fasting as a religious practice and be able to provide information regarding dangers of fasting to their patients.