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


Tisha Be'av 2023: What the Jewish summer fast day is all about - explainer

On Tisha Be'av, the Jewish people mourn the two destructions of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem. Here is everything you need to know.

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

Tisha Be'av: Weeping in silence, keeping bitter memories alive - opinion

By keeping alive these bitter memories of our exile, and teaching them to our children, we hope both to prevent their recurrence and to recognize the miraculous continuity of our existence.

 TEARS: OTHER tragedies that occurred on this same black date.

Tisha Be’av: A revolution of consciousness

We face another round of Tisha Be’av longing for Temple rituals and political systems which, to some, seem alien. How can we reclaim authentic mourning?

 TISHA BE’AV eve prayer: Sitting on the floor as a sign of mourning.

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

Intermittent fasting or calorie counting: Which diet is better for you?

Plenty of people are trying to lose weight through dieting, but between intermittent fasting and calorie counting, which is better for you?

 Intermittent fasting (illustrative)

Did a Jewish fast day play a role in Ben-Gvir's Temple Mount trip? - opinion

Biden aide: “I told them: today is one of those fasts which mark the lead-up to the destruction. Where the Israeli minister went today is the place where both Temples existed and were destroyed.”

 US STATE DEPARTMENT spokesman Ned Price speaks during a news conference in Washington.

10th of Tevet: Stories, rules, history of the Jewish winter fast - explainer

Here is a rundown of what you need to know about the history, rules and start and end times of Judaism's winter fast day.

‘THE DESTRUCTION of the Temple of Jerusalem,’ Francesco Hayez, 1867

US Air Force Academy pledges to ‘correct’ process that scheduled key training day for Yom Kippur

Maguire said cadets observing the holiday got the time off. “Religious accommodations were planned and made available to all Jewish cadets wishing to observe Yom Kippur,” he said.

  A US Air Force B-1b heavy bomber was escorted by an IAF F-15 fighter jet above Israeli airspace on October 30, 2021

Yom Kippur times for Israel and US

See fast times for your area.

 THE FACT IS that Yom Kippur deals with something deeper than the imposition of guilt; what it is concerned with is responsibility.

Yom Kippur: When your birthday falls on the holiest Jewish fast day

In general, feelings toward having a birthday on Yom Kippur range from relative indifference to downright disdain.

 ‘THE SPECIAL feeling of ‘It’s my birthday’ is not the same when it’s on Yom Kippur.’