Old People: Fasting

About 17 Tamouz fast Is it acceptable if an old person drink and not eat

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

When the Prophets and sages instituted the minor fast days, they did so with healthy people in mind. The fasts were never intended to be observed by those who are ill. As a general rule, one who is unable to go about his routine or is forced to lie in bed is considered “ill” from the perspective of Jewish law. This would include those suffering from the flu or having a high fever. Yom Kippur, on the other hand, is a biblical fast and everyone must fast unless one’s life is endangered.

According to Jewish law, there is no separation or difference between eating and drinking on fast days. As such, one who is exempt from the fast, for whatever reason, is permitted to eat and drink as needed. There is no value in only drinking but not eating. Nevertheless, one should not indulge in delicacies when eating on a fast day, but rather, one should eat simple foods according to one’s needs.

A weak or very old person who knows that he will be severely pained or weakened by the fast and fears that the fast will cause him to lose his strength and become sick is often exempt from fasting. The same is true regarding a person who recovered from a sickness and there is a concern that fasting will re-trigger the sickness and cause it to return.

Therefore, as an older man, speak to your doctor and then bring the information to an orthodox rabbi and he will advise you about your ability and obligations to fast.

OC 550, 554 and commentaries