Yom Kippur Pre-Fast and Break-Fast

Yom Kippur is observed eight days after Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year. Many believe that G-d determines the fate of humankind for the coming year on Rosh Hashanah, inscribing everyone’s names into the Books of Life and Death. Then, on Yom Kippur, the judgment entered into these books is sealed. That’s why the traditional holiday greeting is Gmar Chatimah Tova—“May you be sealed for good.”

As the holiest of all Jewish holidays, Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, is the last chance to demonstrate repentance. As such, it’s a day of self-denial, complete with solemn prayer services and a 25-hour fast. This year, the holiday is from September 15 at sunset until September 16 at nightfall.

It’s crucial to prepare for Yom Kippur to make fasting as safe, healthy, and comfortable as possible. Breaking your fast properly is just as important to avoid shocking your digestive system.

Yom Kippur Pre-Fast Tips & Menu

Begin your preparations a week in advance. Here’s what to do:

• Drink more water than usual to prepare your body for the deficiency.
• Cut back on coffee leading up to Yom Kippur to ease any caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
• Eat a low-salt, high-fiber diet to improve hydration and increase your energy level.
• Enjoy a filling meat meal for lunch and a high-carb dairy dinner immediately before the fast.
• Eat your final pre-fast meal slowly to avoid a blood sugar spike that could make you feel hungry faster.

Here are the best foods to eat for your Seudat HaMafseket (Meal of Cessation) before fasting for Yom Kippur:

Midday Meat Meal

• Oven-Fried Breaded Chicken
• Moroccan Lentil and Tomato Soup with Pasta
• Roasted Vegetables
• Lemony Greek Potatoes with Oregano and Garlic
• Sour Cherry and Nectarine Crisp

Late-Day Dairy Meal

• Crustless Cheese and Vegetable Quiche
• Whole-wheat bagels with spreads (butter, cream cheese, tuna salad, lettuce, and tomato)
• Spinach Noodle Kugel
• Fresh Fruit Salad

Yom Kippur Break-Fast Tips & Menu

Breaking your fast with the right food can help you avoid a stomachache. Follow these tips:

• Drink water, tea, coffee, or broth before having any food.
• Eat and drink slowly, taking a 15-minute break between dishes.
• Choose low-fiber, high-carb foods. Low-fat proteins and soft fruits and vegetables are also good go-to’s.

Here’s what to include in your joyful break-fast meal with friends and family:

• White bread or homemade bagels with spreads (tuna salad, egg salad, cheese, butter, and jam)
• Potato Bake with Garlic and Parmesan Cheese
• Blintz Soufflé
• Grilled chicken or turkey
• Sour Cream Coffee Cake
• Fresh Fruit Salad
• Juice, tea, and coffee (caffeinated or decaf)

NetCost Market has all the ingredients you need to prepare traditional Yom Kippur food. In fact, we offer convenient kosher shopping options for our Jewish customers. Stop by one of our local supermarkets in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, or try convenient online grocery shopping or home grocery delivery.