Note: This Q&A exchange took place on the 8th of Av 2024.
Dear Rabbi Simon,
I have a question about the Fast of 9th Av. I collapsed today and couldn’t eat or drink anything until some tonic water just now. Even fluids come up. I’m massively dehydrated and there’s no way I’ll be able to eat the pre-fast seudah, not even boiled eggs and ash. So effectively this means I would be fasting for two days…a nice idea, but I don’t have the strength for it. What’s my obligation?
Many thanks,
Aviva
Dear Aviva,
Eat and drink as much as you need to! Dehydration and vomiting are indications that fasting is not for you this year. You can still capture the spirit of the day through appropriate reading (or even viewing).
Best wishes and be well.
Rabbi Rashi Simon