Laxatives And Yom Kippur: What's Allowed?

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, a day of atonement, fasting, and repentance. It is a time for Jews to seek forgiveness for their sins and reconcile with God. The day is marked by abstinence from food, drink, and sex, and the wearing of leather shoes, perfumes, and lotions is forbidden. It is also a day of purification, when Jews are encouraged to reflect on their past actions and seek forgiveness from those they have wronged. The day is spent mostly in the synagogue, in prayer and meditation.

As for the use of laxatives on Yom Kippur, it is not directly addressed in the sources. However, given the focus on fasting and abstinence during this holy day, it would seem that the use of laxatives could be contrary to the spirit of the occasion.

Fasting on Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and is primarily centred on atonement and repentance. The day is marked by fasting, with all forms of sustenance prohibited, including water. Fasting is said to be a vehicle for reflecting and repenting for sins. The day is also spent in prayer and meditation, with many Jewish people attending synagogue.

Preparing for the Fast

• It is recommended to drink extra water in the days leading up to the fast, and especially to start two days before.
• Cut back on caffeine in the days leading up to Yom Kippur, to minimise the effects of withdrawal during the fast.
• Eat balanced meals with foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates on the day before the fast.
• Avoid salty foods, as these will make you thirsty during the fast.
• Do not overeat, as this is not healthy and will not ward off hunger pangs.

During the Fast

• Pay attention to your body's needs. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, sit down and, if the feeling persists, drink some water and eat a small amount of food. Judaism does not condone endangering your health to fast.
• If you are physically unable to fast, you are exempt. This includes people who are ill, have a chronic medical condition, are pregnant, or are nursing.
• Do not fast if you are taking medication.

Breaking the Fast

When you break your fast, drink first and then eat, and do not overeat.

Restrictions on bathing and washing

Bathing and washing are among the five activities prohibited on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism. The restrictions on bathing and washing on this day are based on the Torah's instruction to "afflict" oneself, which means abstaining from physical pleasures. The purpose of these restrictions is to achieve a state of purity and to demonstrate regret for past misdeeds.

The Prohibition of Bathing and Washing:

The prohibition of bathing and washing on Yom Kippur is known as "rechitza." This restriction applies to both hot and cold water and extends to washing any part of the body. The Sages emphasize the strictness of this prohibition by stating that "even inserting a finger in cold water is forbidden." However, there are several exceptions and clarifications to this rule:

• Washing hands after using the lavatory is permitted.
• Washing any area of the body that has become soiled is allowed.
• Upon awakening in the morning, one may perform ritual hand washing but only until the knuckles.
• Priests or Kohanim who bless the congregation must wash their hands up to the wrist.
• Washing hands before handling food is permitted.

The Reasoning Behind the Prohibition:

The prohibition of bathing and washing on Yom Kippur is rooted in the idea of abstaining from physical pleasures. By refraining from these activities, individuals are encouraged to focus on spiritual pursuits, such as prayer and repentance. This practice is also meant to emulate the behaviour of angels, who are believed to have no physical needs.

Additionally, the restrictions on bathing and washing serve as a form of asceticism, causing discomfort to the body but ensuring the survival of the individual. This physical discomfort is believed to extend to the soul, fostering a sense of empathy for the pain of others.

Special Considerations:

In certain circumstances, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restrictions on washing may be relaxed to prioritize hygiene and public health. In such cases, washing or sanitizing hands is not only permitted but also required to slow the spread of the virus.

Furthermore, individuals who need to bathe or wash for health reasons are advised to consult a rabbi for guidance.

Restrictions on wearing leather

On Yom Kippur, there is a tradition of not wearing leather, especially leather shoes. This tradition is not a prohibition against wearing all leather items—leather belts, yarmulkes, jackets, and other items made from leather are permitted. The restriction applies specifically to leather shoes.

There are several reasons for this restriction:

• Leather shoes are typically comfortable, and on Yom Kippur, Jews are supposed to afflict themselves, so comfortable shoes are avoided.
• Leather was once a symbol of luxury and high status. Not wearing leather signifies that all people are humbled and equal.
• The Jewish mystical tradition suggests that wearing leather symbolises dominance over the world, which is not God's domain.
• In the Torah, shoes often symbolise one's material essence and physical connection to the terrestrial. By removing shoes, one strives for a purer state of spirituality.
• The Arizal, in the Shulchan Aruch HaAri, gives a kabbalistic explanation that leather shoes are associated with the "garments of skin" that God gave Adam and Eve after they sinned. Leather shoes, therefore, symbolise sin and impurity, which have no power on Yom Kippur.
• Rabbi Shlomo Tzvi Shik explains that leather shoes symbolise man's dominion over creation. However, on Yom Kippur, when Jews engage in repentance and confess their sins, they remove their leather shoes to demonstrate recognition of their sinfulness.
• Leather shoes are associated with being able to work and provide for oneself. On Yom Kippur, the focus is not on the physical or gashmyus of life, but on spiritual matters.

Restrictions on marital relations

Marital relations are prohibited on Yom Kippur. This is one of the five activities prohibited on major fast days, including Tisha Be-Av. To avoid sinning, couples should behave as they would if the wife were in a state of Nida, refraining from touching or sharing a bed. However, during the day of Tisha Be-Av, they may touch, but not affectionately, as there is little concern that it will lead to intimacy.

On mikveh night, many permit marital relations even during times of crisis. If a man's urge is overpowering and may lead him to sin, he may have sexual relations with his wife, even during a crisis or on Yom Kippur.

According to some sources, there are other days when it is recommended to refrain from marital relations based on Kabbalistic sources. These include the first night of Pesach, Shavuot, Shmini Atzeret, and the two nights of Rosh Hashanah. However, these are not strict prohibitions, and there are exceptions, such as when the night of the wife's immersion falls on one of these nights.

Restrictions on applying lotions, perfumes, makeup, and jewellery

Yom Kippur is a day of abstinence and fasting from a variety of activities. It is a day of atonement and is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. To preserve the sanctity of the day, many activities are prohibited to keep Jews focused on spiritual matters.

Applying lotions, perfumes, makeup, and wearing jewellery are restricted on Yom Kippur. This is because the day is intended to focus on internal cleansing and spiritual purity instead of physical beauty. Applying lotions, perfumes, and makeup is considered a form of anointing, which is one of the five main prohibitions of the day.

Gold jewellery, in particular, is avoided on Yom Kippur as it is reminiscent of the sin of the Golden Calf. Some sources say that wearing gold on the Day of Atonement is considered arrogant as it reminds the Prosecutor (Satan) of past sins. Silver is preferred as it is similar in colour to white, which symbolises purity and mercy.

However, there are some exceptions to the restrictions. For example, it is acceptable to wear jewellery that is usually worn every day or for medical reasons. Additionally, a bride within 30 days of marriage may wear makeup.

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