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Not to eat or drink on Yom Kippur

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
כִּ֤י כׇל־הַנֶּ֙פֶשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־תְעֻנֶּ֔ה בְּעֶ֖צֶם הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה וְנִכְרְתָ֖ה מֵֽעַמֶּֽיהָ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר
Leviticus 23:29 - "For any person who will not be afflicted on that very day, shall be cut off from its people."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holidays – חֲגִים

It is forbidden to eat on the tenth of Tishrei, Yom Kippur.

This mitzvah forbids eating or drinking on Yom Kippur, as part of the command to afflict oneself. Unlike other fasts, which are rabbinic, the Yom Kippur fast is directly from the Torah. Abstaining from food and drink allows the Jewish people to rise above physical needs and focus entirely on prayer, teshuvah (repentance), and seeking atonement before Hashem.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Asor 1:5): Eating or drinking even a minimal amount on Yom Kippur is a Torah transgression, punishable by karet.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 316): The root is to humble the body so that the soul can dominate, achieving true repentance and closeness to Hashem.
  • Talmud (Yoma 73b): Defines the minimum measure of food and drink that incurs liability, underscoring the stringency of this mitzvah.
(Source: Chabad.org)

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Holidays - חַגִּים

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Mitzvot related to the Jewish festivals — their observance, rituals, prohibitions, and spiritual significance. This includes Torah-commanded holidays like Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, as well as rabbinic celebrations such as Purim and Chanukah.

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

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Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.

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Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

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Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — acts rooted in divine connection rather than human interaction.

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