Q&A: Is It Worth It?
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Is It Worth It?
Question
I’m a student, and until now I’ve been fasting and managing to study at the same time, but now I’m no longer able to concentrate. Is it really worth giving up 6 hours of study in order to keep what is merely a custom and not actual Jewish law?
Answer
It depends on the pressure you’re under. Do you make use of your other time at that same level, or is it only the fast that is being sacrificed on the altar of concentration in your studies? Only you can decide this matter.
Discussion on Answer
Who said it isn’t binding? It’s a custom, and as part of that, people are also exempted in various situations.
I don’t understand. A custom that the entire Jewish people observes isn’t binding?
Also, the stringency of Rabbi Zeira is a custom that all of Israel has adopted.