Fasting on Shabbat and Fasting for Two Consecutive Days
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Question
Hello, dear Rabbi, I have two questions on the same topic. Firstly, if a person fasts on Shabbat, do they accept the fast from nightfall or from dawn? Additionally, if a person fasts for two consecutive days, as stated in the Shulchan Aruch that it is considered as 40 days, from when do they start fasting? Do they begin their fast from nightfall until nightfall two days later, or from dawn?
Answer
Shalom Rav,
A. It is forbidden to fast on Shabbat at all, whether it is a voluntary fast or a fast for atonement.
B. A fast of two days that is considered as forty days includes two days and two nights. This means starting before sunset on the first day and ending after nightfall on the second day.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 568, Se'if 4. Also, Siman 588, Se'if 1.