Yom Kippur Fast - Working in the Operating Room
Question
My colleagues and I work in operating rooms. Some of us also work on Yom Kippur. Is it possible, and how, to eat or drink if there is intensive work and we feel unwell (dizziness, etc.), in a way that does not allow us to continue at all?
Answer
Shalom and good year greetings!
Since you are engaged in saving lives, you are allowed to drink ‘in measurements’ as needed, and if this is not enough for you to function, it is also permitted to eat ‘in measurements’ as needed for you to continue working.
Drinking 'in measurements' is 40 ml of drink every 9 minutes.
Eating 'in measurements' is 30 ml of food every 9 minutes.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, section Orach Chaim, chapter 618
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)
Become our patrners in supporting and spreading the Torah
Help us answer more questions faster and better
Join the mission