Q&A: Long Water Fast
Long Water Fast
Question
Hello Rabbi, I am in the middle of a long-term water fast of about two weeks. There are several reasons for it: one is that it is very healthy and can heal my asthma; also, it cleanses the body of many toxins; and the third reason is character work on the desire for food… *I wanted to ask whether I am allowed to fast on the Sabbath, or whether I am obligated to eat?* Just to explain: in the first three days the fast is not yet effective, and over time it becomes more beneficial, so if I eat on the Sabbath then I miss a lot of the point… Another thing is that only during the first day and a half do you feel hungry; now I am not feeling hungry, so at the moment it is not really a fast…
Answer
I hope you are right, although I suspect there is no real basis for this. Of course I am not a doctor, but that is my impression.
If you need this for medical purposes, you may fast even on the Sabbath, assuming this really is a beneficial and proven treatment.
Simply speaking, the prohibition against fasting on the Sabbath is not a transgression, but rather a failure to fulfill the commandment of Sabbath enjoyment. Even if you do not feel that it is a fast and there is no suffering here, you still have not fulfilled the obligation of Sabbath enjoyment.
Discussion on Answer
Are you sure this is medically permitted—two weeks without drinking!?!
Asaf, in a water fast you do drink—only water—and do not refrain from it.
Isn’t there a danger of dehydration?!
It seems to me this falls under the rule that danger is treated more stringently. And a matter of saving a life.