The question of liquid consumption during the Day of Atonement is a central tenet of observing this solemn religious fast day. Abstinence from both food and drink is a primary obligation for adult Jews during the observance, which lasts approximately 25 hours.
This complete fast is undertaken as a demonstration of repentance and spiritual reflection. The physical discomfort of hunger and thirst is intended to focus the individual’s attention on prayer, introspection, and atonement for sins. Historically, this period of deprivation has been viewed as a means of both humbling oneself before God and connecting with the experience of those who suffer from genuine want.
