Photo: kikar.
Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Yosef, has issued an important halakhic clarification to IDF soldiers regarding the celebration of Yom Kippur. In his ruling, he emphasised that soldiers taking part in actual combat operations are prohibited from fasting on this holy day.
Information about this decision was published in the Israeli newspaper Kikar. The chief rabbi stressed that soldiers on the front line should not deteriorate their physical condition, and that refusal to fast is a necessary condition for ensuring their combat readiness.
The decision states: “Obviously, soldiers engaged in actual combat operations are prohibited from fasting on Yom Kippur, and they should not make the situation worse for themselves.” Soldiers performing combat missions can eat according to their habits, without any special conditions.
Additionally, Rabbi Yosef drew attention to soldiers who may not be directly involved in combat, but still feel that fasting may negatively affect their concentration and decision-making. He recommends that these soldiers contact a military rabbi before Yom Kippur for clear guidance on fasting.
