Jewish fasting traditions

Jewish fasting traditions are spiritual practices that involve abstaining from food and drink to foster reflection, atonement, and spiritual growth. The most significant fasts include Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, where 25 hours are spent in prayer and repentance; Tisha B’Av, commemorating the destruction of the Temples; and other minor fasts linked to historical events. Fasting emphasizes humility, self-discipline, and connecting with God. These days often involve communal prayer, introspection, and refraining from physical pleasures to focus on spiritual renewal and moral accountability.