Brooklyn Heights,Ita Yankovich

Question: How do you prepare for Yom Kippur, spiritually and physically?

Spiritually, I try to pray with more concentration and search my soul and look deep within myself. It's a time of self-reflection. Physically, I drink a lot of juice, especially apple, and try to eat lightly. I also avoid heavy meals and meat prior to and at the end of the fast.

Deborah Hallen-Zelinsky, retired teacher

I try to recharge and do teshuvah. I try to be more thoughtful to others. Physically, I stop drinking coffee three days prior to the fast. I also recommend that one consume salty food before the fast since salt makes you retain water. I typically break my fast on orange juice and brownies.

Sara Ponichtera, Yiddish graduate student

Yom Kippur is a day to reconnect with God and your soul. You have to renew your commitment to Hashem and ask yourself how you can serve Him better. Positive actions elevate your status. Physically, I stock up on energy drinks before the fast and break it on orange juice and light food.

Yettel Zylbernagaz, administrative assistant

Every year my routine for preparing for the fast is different. What works one year doesn't necessarily work the following year. I try to do a lot of thinking before the fast. I eat a lot of bread too.

Michalie Rodin, student

Read Comments (0)