Needing to Eat on Yom Kippur in the Shulchan Arukh

The Shulchan Arukh (“Set Table”) is the most widely accepted code of Jewish law ever written. Compiled in the 16th century by Rabbi Yosef Karo, it is a condensed and simplified version of the Beit Yosef, a commentary that Karo wrote on the Tur. Karo’s rulings are in accordance with Sephardic traditions; the text of the Shulchan Arukh also includes the glosses of Rabbi Moshe Isserles, which cite Ashkenazic traditions. Orach Chaim (“Way of Life,” a reference to Psalms 16:11) is the first of four sections. It discusses daily ritual observance, like prayer, Tefillin, Tzitzit, Shabbat, and holidays.

Jewish learning and access to sources is an important part of our work. As we begin learning today, we want to note the distinction mentioned in this text between a Jewish and non-Jewish doctor. This was indicative of the relationship between Jews and non-Jews when the Shulchan Arukh was codified, where non-Jews, as outsiders, were seen differently than those inside the Jewish community. This is not overly connected to the main points we are learning from this text, but we still want to acknowledge its presence.

Secondly, we find that there’s a common perception that a person needs to be seriously ill in order to eat on Yom Kippur. But, the foundational text for Jewish law never mentions that. Rather, the Shulchan Arukh says that if there is a *possibility* that the illness will worsen or that not eating would cause danger, that is enough to eat on Yom Kippur.

As we see in this text, when a sick person, meaning someone who could be harmed by fasting, is deciding whether to eat or fast on Yom Kippur, sometimes there is a conflict between what the sick person wants and what the health professional suggests. Jewish law listens to both the health professional and the sick person, ultimately choosing whichever view most saves life or health.

This is a crucial point, because sometimes we hear about people who don't follow their doctor's or therapist’s advice to eat on fast days, reasoning that their health professional doesn't understand the importance of the day. We feel that the Shulchan Arukh addresses this issue by saying that we follow the doctor’s advice even if the doctor is not Jewish. So, in a case where the doctor says to eat, while the person wants to fast, whether or not the doctor knows about the importance of the day, Jewish law would still say to follow the doctor, and to eat.

Today, we are finishing our study of the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 618, about whether a sick person should eat or fast on Yom Kippur. The text we are learning today is a source for the practice that some people follow, of eating in shiurim on Yom Kippur - eating/drinking small amounts every nine minutes. We have strong feelings about shiurim - we feel that they should not be advised by clergy members indiscriminately. This is because some people find them to be insufficient, and also because some people may actually be harmed by eating in such a regimented, restrictive way.

While source 618:7 describes what a shiur is, source 618:8 teaches who should use shiurim. As you can see, this Shulchan Aruch source supports a nuanced and holistic approach to those who need to eat and/or drink on Yom Kippur. It is very clear in saying that those who are unable to fast without harm should only use shiurim if they are enough. Any doubt at all that shiurim are sufficient, whether from the health professional or the person themselves is enough of a reason to eat as much as is needed immediately.