With Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement starting at sunset this evening, I was wondering…
Thoes of you who observe, how old were you the first time you did a complete fast? (No food no water)
(I think I was 7 or so. I’ll have to ask my folks)
If you are observing tonight, may your fast be an easy one!
I think I was about 11 or 12.
I’m surprised your parents allowed you to fast at age 7, since fasting for children under the age of 9 is forbidden, even if it is voluntary.
I was probably 12, and fasted until noon starting a year or two earlier. I’m also surprised that your parents would let you fast at such a young age.
I suppose it’s because I wanted to & in the church culture I grew up in, it was something of a point of pride. I’m not Jewish, btw. Not sure if Idid a complete fast then. I’ll have to ask.
As an aside, what is the point of wishing someone an “easy fast”?
You’re atoning for things you’ve done wrong presumably. At the very least you’re trying to walk a few steps in the shoes of those much less fortunate. It shouldn’t feel easy or quick. You should suffer and lose a pound or two (you fat lazy bastard). Anyway, you’ll be stuffing your cake hole with, well, cake before the day is out. That’s hardly a hardship to miss a meal or two.
Or do I have this fasting and atoning thing all wrong?
You’re not allowed water? That’s hard core. 
You have it right. The rabbis I’ve known teach that you do not wish somebody an easy fast. You wish them a meaningful or productive fast.
I’m a hypersomniac. I once slept from sundown to sundown on Yom Kippor. That fast had null spiritual or meditative value.
ETA Forgot to answer the OP. I think my first fast was at 10, or 11.
I’m guessing about 6-7. It was around that time that I learned that we had to atone for all the wrongdoings of the year. I asked what if we hadn’t done anything wrong. My father smacked me so hard I’m surprised I didn’t lose sight and hearing on that side. Yeah, he was like that.
Fasting is not meant as a punishment, but to remove yourself from worldly concerns to focus on the spiritual. An “easy fast” is one in that you’re not suffering through so you be meditative on the point of the day. If you were suffering you’re mind would be on those worldly concerns of hunger.
Most I know fast starting at 12-13, maybe a partial fast earlier. Young kids (or anyone for whom fasting would be unhealthy) should not fast. 6 year old shouldn’t be fasting. Some families would ask their young kids to give up a snack or something but I didn’t agree with that. They’re too young to get it- it’s just deprivation.
Dad told me last night that we at least wanted to try to fast as soon as we we began to understand a little why it was important. Maybe we were somewhat precocious. I don’t think they would have made us fast at that age had we not wanted to. HUG I’m sorry things were different for you, Panache45.
I started after my bar mitzvah at 13. Did it for a few years then stopped. Started again out of some sort of solidarity, although I consider myself an atheist. For example, I am reading STD although the sun won’t set for over an hour.
BTW, the usual salutation is “Well over the fast.”