Drinking on Yom Kippur for a Sick Person
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
I suffer from heart disease, and the doctor said there is a danger in not drinking. Do I need to drink on Yom Kippur, and can I drink as usual, or are there restrictions?
Answer
Shalom Rav
If a qualified doctor has instructed so, you certainly need to drink on Yom Kippur.
However, there are two restrictions. A. You need to ask the doctor what amount you need to drink. Because even those who are permitted to drink are only allowed the amount necessary to prevent danger and no more. B. Usually, in your condition, there is no need to drink a large amount at once. Therefore, you should drink in small quantities each time, as this makes the prohibition lighter. The measure is 40 cc every 9 minutes. If medically it is not possible to space out the drinks so much, drink this amount every 4 minutes.
For example, if the doctor says you need to drink 2 liters throughout the day, you can drink 40 cc with an interval of 9 minutes, and thus throughout the day, you will reach the required amount.
Wishing you a complete recovery and an easy fast
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Siman 618, Seif 3 and 9