LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Yom Kippur: Fasts
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The fast of Yom Kippur can be found in (Num 29:7). All adults are required to fast. Boys and girls before their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs are not required to fast. People that are too ill to fast are ... not required to fast.
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Fasting is a way for those observing Yom Kippur to practice self-discipline, engage in spiritual contemplation, and increase compassion for others. Most followers of Judaism do not eat or drink during this time, and many observe additional restrictions outlined in the Torah. Such restrictions include refraining from sexual relations, from bathing, from using cosmetics, and from wearing leather shoes. White clothing worn during Yom Kippur symbolizes spiritual purity and repentance.
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Many communities recite Birkath Hallebanah (the blessing for the moon) prior to Yom Kippur and not after the fast. There are several reasons for this: one of them being the tendency of some congregations to rush it in order to get home. In addition, Birkath Hallebanah should be recited after one has tasted some food.
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Don't Overeat Some people seem to think that they can "make up for" not eating on Yom Kippur by having a big meal the night before. This is a very bad idea, and actually makes it harder to fast. Have you ever noticed how you feel particularly hungry the morning after a large meal? Eat a normal sized meal.
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While hunger pains and weakness are an expected effect of the Yom Kippur fast, one need not dehydrate, faint or get sick while fasting. These are suggestions for ways to prepare oneself physically for a healthy fast.
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