Today: Fasting with Health Conditions Pre-Yom Kippur Q&A with Merkos Torah

Today at 2:00 p.m. EST, Merkos 302’s Merkos Torah will host a live Zoom session together with Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein of ShulchanAruchHarav.com, addressing the halachos of fasting on Yom Kippur.

The program, “When Fasting Is Prohibited: Practical Yom Kippur Guidelines for the Sick, Pregnant, Nursing, and Those with Medical Conditions,” will provide clear halachic and medical direction to the public for those navigating the fast under health constraints.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, raises many questions about the obligation to fast, particularly in cases of illness, pregnancy, or nursing. This shiur aims to provide clear halachic guidance on this complex and far-reaching subject.

Merkos Torah, a division of Merkos 302 dedicated to providing shluchim with the resources and opportunities to strengthen their own Torah learning, has partnered with noted halachic authority and author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein, founder of ShulchanAruchHarav.com, to make this online shiur available to all.

The shiur will answer practical, real-life questions such as:

– What takes precedence: staying in bed while fasting, or going to shul and risking one’s own fast, or even of one’s spouse?

– What are the halachic and medical considerations for a pregnant woman who feels weak or dizzy during the fast?

– If someone has high blood pressure or heart disease, how should they approach fasting on Yom Kippur?

– What guidance does Halacha give for a person with kidney stones or other conditions where hydration is critical?

– How should a person struggling with anorexia or other eating disorders navigate the mitzvah of fasting?

– How does Jewish law address the needs of a nursing mother who worries about milk supply or dehydration?

– For someone with diabetes, is eating in measured amounts (pachot mi‑shiur) the right path, or should they avoid fasting altogether?

– What should families know about children or teens with chronic conditions who want to participate in the fast?

This platform is part of Merkos 302’s Kollel Aliba D’Hilchasa. The public can register for their upcoming sugya on Hilchos Yichud at this link www.kollelad.com

Zoom details:
Date – 7 Tishrei 5786 (September 29)
Time – 2:00PM EST
To join, click this link https://www.merkostorah.com/open?pageId=open&step=3518171216941