Fasting on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah

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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

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