Fast Days

Dear Rabbi Simon Yom Kippur is nearing, and I have some questions about lighting a long-lasting candle for this day (is this a Minhag? Halacha? Humrah?). Is there a requirement for Ner Yom Kippur? Is it fulfilled by the Shabbos candles? If the light of the candle persists until nightfall the next day, can it be used for Havdalah as…

Dear Rabbi Simon, As I told you, I am quite a heavy tobacco user. During Yom Kippur I do not smoke, which I realize is forbidden. Can I use the Tobacco patches I told you about, if I put them on before the fast begins? Nick Dear Nick, Yes you may use the patch as described, applying it before YK,…

Dear Rabbi Simon, Shana tova. I hope you had inspiring tefillah at Kesher on RH. You may have seen the clips that are going round about the use of chickens for kaparot in New York.  The way in which these chickens are treated is disturbing to me.  Even if the conditions of keeping the chickens would improve, I still think…

A number of people have asked about the permissibility of using hand sanitiser (as recommended by UK public health authorities) on Tisha B’Av this year. Although hand gel of this sort may arguably be an example of either washing or anointing (or both), each of which is normally forbidden on the Fast of Av, nevertheless the use of hand sanitiser…

(Note the addendum for when 9 Av is on Shabbat and the Fast is delayed until Sunday) Dear Rabbi Simon, Is Fiona obligated to fast on Tisha’ B’Av as she will be at about 32 1/2 wks pregnant at that time?  Her obstetrician indicated that she should not fast & especially should consume fluids.  She is puzzled as she has…

Note: The exchange below relates to the specific circumstances of the questioner, and is presented here for general information. For personal guidance consult your LOR (as they say in the USA). Dear Rabbi Simon, As you may remember I find it so hard to fast that I have to spend all of Yom Kippur in bed to prevent myself from…

Note: This Q&A is shared for general knowledge only. Any similar (or dissimilar) question should be discussed personally, rather than assessed based only on the particular response to the questioner below. Dear Rabbi Simon. Shanah Tovah! Having given birth recently, I’m feeling very anxious about Yom Kippur this year WRT fasting. I am currently drinking over 6 litres a day…