Fasting on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
Is it necessary to fast on the eve of Rosh Hashanah?
Answer
The poskim (Jewish legal decisors) have all mentioned the custom to fast on the eve of Rosh Hashanah. This custom was observed by both men and women from the age of mitzvah obligation and onwards. However, in our times, girls and women do not practice this.
The custom is to fast only until midday and not until the evening. One can refrain from eating until the time of Mincha Gedola, and then one can say 'Aneinu' in the Mincha prayer.
The Rema wrote that it is proper for one who fasts to eat before dawn since it is the custom of non-Jews to fast on the eve of their holiday.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 581:2
Comments

- Top halachic Q&A
- Practical festival halachot