What is a Jewish Fast
- pdavis50
- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Why do we fast?
The reason we fast is simply this: we need to grow closer to God. We need to gain the wisdom and authority that comes from drawing near to Him. In Mark 9, Jesus cast a demon out of a possessed boy that the disciples had been unable to cast out; when they asked why they were unable, Jesus replied, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:29 (NKJV))
We know that there are situations that require fasting in order to reach a breakthrough, but fasting is much more important to our walk with God than simply to get answers to prayers--it "crucifies" the flesh, emptying us of ourselves so that the Holy Spirit can pour Himself in and fill us. Through this time, we dedicate our entire year to God and grow closer to Him. As we draw closer, we can hear Him clearer and obey Him more faithfully.
What is a Jewish Fast?
The Jewish Fast follows the tradition found in Judges 20:26 (NIV):
Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD.
Put simply, it is a complete fast from sunrise to sunset each day of the 7 day period.
Then they took their bones and buried them under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.
1 Samuel 31:13 (NIV)
Wisdom and Personal Application
When you join the fast, it's important that you don't over-extend yourself or endanger your life--in the Jewish tradition, a high value is placed on pikuach nefesh, which is preservation of life.
To that end, God may lead you to observe the fast differently:
A modified fast
Daniel Fast
Different length
Fast from certain foods
Non-food fast, such as Social Media or other distraction
Remember to seek God and apply wisdom. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor and adapt accordingly.
Conclusion
We invite you to join us in this 7 Day Fast from January 1st to 7th, 2026. Start the year off right, and see what God does in your life!
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