Meaning of Fasting during Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the most sacred of all Jewish holidays. It is the Day of Atonement, when Jews ask forgiveness for any broken promises to God. During Yom Kippur, there is a twenty-five hour fast.
Fasting begins before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur. The period of fasting ends after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. Although fasting is not fun, it is taken quite seriously. Fasting during Yom Kippur, the Sabbath of all Sabbaths is taken very seriously, as it is seen as a positive action for your spirit. It is not meant to be seen as a form of punishment. Fasting has also been called "Afflicting the Soul."
Since Yom Kippur is observed like Shabbat, there is no work done. It could be said that Yom Kippur is a day of "not doing." Fasting is an important part of Yom Kippur. It is an expression of pure faith. This holiday is not about one's physical needs. In fact, there are five prohibitions, besides working, during Yom Kippur that are strictly followed. Eating and drinking are at the top of the list. The list of prohibited actions also includes wearing creams, lotions, or perfumes, bathing, wearing leather shoes, and sexual relations. On this day, it is about letting go of your physical needs to focus and to rely on God.
Afflicting the soul is written about in the Torah. Yom Kippur is the only day where fasting is mandated in the Torah. "But on the tenth day of this seventh month it is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation unto you, and you shall afflict your souls, and you shall bring a fire-offering to the Lord. And you shall do no work on this very day for it is a day of atonement to atone for you before the Lord your God." (Leviticus 23:27-28) The Torah commands people to afflict themselves on the "Tenth of Tishrei." Without being concerned on the physical needs of our body, it is easier to focus on the prayers.
Instead of punishing yourself for your sins, you fast in order to be like the angels in heaven. Angels do not eat, drink, or wash. They are in tune with their spirituality. Yom Kippur is a day of spirituality. It is a day of prayer. In order to reach the higher level of spirituality, and thus achieve true repentance, one must be willing to let go of the physical. If fasting could be a risk to your health, there is an understanding of exemption. The Jewish law forbids people to put themselves in life-threatening danger during normal circumstances.
The Day of Atonement is a day of spiritual connection with God when asking forgiveness of any broken promises to God. Fasting for the twenty-five hours only enhances the spiritual focus. It forgoes material needs. Fasting is an opportunity to focus on a person's prayer, repentance, and self-improvement.
