Rabbi emeritus of Temple Akiba in Culver City, California.

A rabbi explains the value of fasting.

Rabbi Allen S. Maller in Feed Your Spirit.


From the February 15, 2010 issue of the Jesuit publication America.


"During Lent, Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays and fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday,

"As a general prohibition all year long, Hindus do not eat beef; Jews and Muslims do not eat pork.

"And on Yom Kippur -- the Day of Atonement -- Jews do not eat or drink anything at all for 24 hours.

"Every year for the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink and marital relations.

"What do the religious practices of abstinence and fasting teach us?

"What spiritual benefits occur when we fast?

"Fasting produces many different outcomes.

"Most importantly, fasting teaches compassion...."

Thanks, Rabbi!