Not Fasting When Doctor and Rabbi Say Fasting is Safe

Question

A person has been told that in the opinion of a doctor and/or rabbi (or multiple doctors and/or rabbis), they are able to safely fast. But they personally feel that fasting (or eating less food than normal) could be detrimental to their health. Are they permitted not to fast?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    It is hard to offer a definitive answer without being aware of the details, but in general the Halacha is to follow whatever one’s doctor and Rabbi say. In the same way that it is a Mitzvah to eat when the doctor and the Rabbi say that a sick person should eat, so too it is a Mitzvah to Fast when the doctor and the Rabbi say that they can Fast.

    Personally, I would suggest that the person speak with their doctor again and explain to the doctor their fears – and then do as the doctor says.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team