Yom Kippur & eating disorders

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and follows Rosh Hashana, which marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year.

The observance involves a 25-hour fast, which a lot of people in eating disorder recovery should not take part in.

However, there are other ways that you can observe Yom Kippur. Here is our guidance, created through the resources from Noa Girls.

Why can Yom Kippur be difficult?

• If you are in recovery, fasting can encourage old eating disorder behaviours, such as restricting, or entering a binge-purge cycle
• Thoughts about repenting can also trigger negative self-thoughts, which someone in recovery may want to soothe with eating disorder behaviours
• Being around others discussing food and hunger could trigger a compulsion to fast too, to avoid guilt
• And, if you’re not fasting, there could be pressure to tell your loved ones why you’re not partaking, increasing feelings of shame

How can you get support during Yom Kippur?

We’d recommend talking to trusted loved ones about how you’re feeling, and how best they can support you. Your loved ones will be able to discreetly tell others in your community about why you’re observing Yom Kippur differently, and so you don’t have to have these potentially difficult conversations yourself.

We’d also recommend speaking with your Rabbi, who will be able to guide you on how to observe Yom Kippur safely. Noa Girls have resources you can provide to them, if you’re worried your Rabbi may not understand why you cannot fast.

Navigating fasting during Yom Kippur

• Ensure ahead of time that your safe foods are available, and you have a private space where you can prepare food and eat, if you’re worried about others seeing you eating
• Create a routine for the day to offer a distraction - plan in activities such as reading, speaking to friends, focusing on studying, etc
• Have some time to focus on you and your intentions for your new year - this could be through journaling, or writing a letter to yourself

There are other ways that you can take part in abstaining that doesn’t involve fasting, such as:

• Not wearing makeup, perfume or body lotions
• Attending services and prayers online, if you can’t be there in person
• Dress in simple clothes, and avoid wearing leather
• Mediate
• Have the day away from social media, if you find this to be a distraction

Navigating meals around Yom Kippur

Meals before and after Yom Kippur may involve a lot of discussions around abstaining from food and feeling hungry.

You may be eating something different, depending on your meal plan or safe foods. Talk to your loved ones beforehand about what you need, and make sure the food you’re eating is in stock.

To avoid feeling triggered, you may want to discuss with your friends and family about having a separate meal by yourself, or with a smaller group who are aware of your recovery, to avoid feeling overwhelmed or observed.

And remember, if you're worried about navigating Yom Kippur with an eating disorder for yourself or a loved one, we're here for you. Head to our Helpline to find support, as well as our online support groups.