World’s Fasting Religions in 90 Seconds: Judaism

One of the oldest monotheistic religions. Judaism has its roots in the religion of the Semitic people of the southern Levant more than 3,000 years ago. They became the descendants of Abraham, the children of Israel, who believe that they have been given the land and a covenant with God. The land of Israel has become a defining foundation for the Jewish people.

Today, there are 14 million Jewish people across the globe. A Jewish homeland exists in the nation of Israel, established after Nazis sought to exterminate millions of Jews throughout Europe. Moses, a key figure in the history of Judaism, led his people out of enslavement in Egypt. While wandering in the desert, he climbed Mount Sinai, where he spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting from bread and water. There, he received the Ten Commandments, the foundation of the Jewish Torah or law.

Jewish fasting in Judaism involves abstaining from all food and drink for spiritual reflection, repentance, and commemoration. Major fasts like Yom Kippur last about 25 hours, sundown to sundown, while other minor fasts typically run from dawn to sunset. These practices help Jews connect with God, atone for sins, mourn tragedies like the Temple's destruction, and focus on spiritual growth.

There are exemptions for health or specific life stages. Judaism is another major religion embracing fasting as part of their faith and civic duty.