Fasting During Illness
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Question
Hello, Tisha B'Av falls exactly on the first day of my cycle. The first day is the hardest, and on this day I usually suffer from very severe pain, sometimes literally doubling over in pain, I have weakness and sometimes nausea. I usually need a painkiller, but I can't swallow a pill without water. It's very hard for me to stay without drinking, and I'm worried. I wanted to ask if in such a case: a. Can I drink in small amounts during the fast? b. Can I swallow a pill with a little water? c. And if it's very hard for me, is there a possibility to be exempt from fasting in my situation? Thank you in advance for your understanding and help.
Answer
Hello
1. One who is considered ill may eat and drink normally. One who is not defined as ill is not allowed to drink in small amounts.
2. It is permissible to swallow a pain relief pill during the fast.
If possible, swallow without water, do so.
If not, swallow with a little water, and it is preferable to mix it with a little tea essence or similar.
3. If you weaken to the point that you need to lie in bed due to weakness, or if you suffer from pains that weaken the body, you are exempt from fasting.