Accepting a Fast — the Will of the Tosafot Yom Tov
Question
Do the descendants of the Tosafot Yom Tov, who are required to fast on Sunday {this year, when the 5th of Tammuz falls on Shabbat}, as written in Megillat Eivah, need to accept the fast upon themselves at Minchah and accept it until midday, as is the law for an individual fast, or does it take effect automatically? Also, if it must be accepted, should this be done on Shabbat or on Friday? I would appreciate a source. Thank you very much.
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah
It is proper to accept the fast at Minchah on the day preceding the fast.
However, for one who fasts on a regular basis, the acceptance is not indispensable.
See Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, siman 562, se’if 5:
Any fast that an individual did not accept upon himself before the day began is not considered a fast.
And in Mishnah Berurah, se’if katan 9: that it is not customary to accept these fasts in the prayer, since they are already accepted and established by virtue of their custom.
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