I'm discovering, once again, that hypoglycemia and Judaism don't mix too well on fast days. I'm way too dizzy to feel safe driving, so I'm trying to decide whether fasting or synagogue is more important today, since I can't do both.

I would say synagogue is more important. Eat.

Yeah, but I'd feel weird saying all the prayers about fasting when I'd already eaten. I can read some of the readings at home, I guess.

Isn't there something in the Torah about health, Hil? I can't imagine anyone could think you're a bad Jew for eating to avoid health risks.

Whee sj in London! Have so much fun, sweetie!

Guys, I had horrible, soul-shaking nightmares last night. I woke up already stressed out and sick. Not a great way to start a Saturday. Can anyone tell me something happy?

Hil,

you are the best judge of what is best. I think of religion as serving community spiritual needs as well as individual. I am not sure on which pole your needs lie right now, but if it is fellowship, then I say go to the synagogue. If it isn't, then stay at home.

Can you consume some calories, but not eat food? Like in a liquid form? Would that still be fasting?

Is there any kind of bending-the-rules sub-rule about fasting when you're sick with something that fasting will make worse? I know that even the strictest fasting rules in Catholicism have very clear official exceptions for the very old, the very young, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and illnesses that mess with your blood sugar or require regular meds that have to be taken with food. The point is supposed to be focus and mindfulness, so if fasting is going to actively interfere with your ability to be focused and mindful then you're actually obligated to not fast and to smack down the guilt impulse if it rears its head.

Pix,

I have had bad nightmares the past 1-2 days too! I blame it on the cold. I am still looking for the happy in my twitter and rss feeds. Not a lot coming through so far this morning.

you are the best judge of what is best. I think of religion as serving community spiritual needs as well as individual. I am not sure on which pole your needs lie right now, but if it is fellowship, then I say go to the synagogue. If it isn't, then stay at home.

Right now, I think my needs are more individual. I don't really know anybody at the synagogue near here, anyway -- I go to services there once in a while, and there are usually about 10 people at weekly services, and a few hundred at holiday services.

Is there any kind of bending-the-rules sub-rule about fasting when you're sick with something that fasting will make worse?

Yeah. This isn't at that level, though.

Isn't there something in the Torah about health, Hil? I can't imagine anyone could think you're a bad Jew for eating to avoid health risks.

It's not about what other people think, it's about what I think. And for now, anyway, staying home and fasting is what's working best for me.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you were concerned with what others thought. Of course you should do what is right for you and your faith.

Easy fast, Hil. It sounds to me like staying home is the best plan.

Sorry about the nightmares! The thing that is making me happy as I watch the news loops this morning at work is the Occupy Wall Street peoples. It may be the old hippie in me, but it is about time people took to the streets. Also, we have had rain and storms last night and today and my windows are open for the first time since last Spring. It is a beautiful thing.