Redeeming the Fast

Redeeming the Fast

It is a special mitzvah to give tzedakah to the poor on fast days. This ensures that they will have enough to eat after the fast. According to the Talmud, the main reward of a fast day is for the Tzedaka that one customarily gives to the poor. It is customary to give this tzedakah before Mincha-time. The Mincha Haftorah reading is therefore appropriate in that it says: שִמְרוּ מִשְפָּט וַעֲשׂוּ צְדָּקָּה (Keep tzedakah/justice and practice righteousness).

• Some have a custom to give the poor the amount of money they would have spent on eating that day (the approximate value of two meals).
• This is especially important for someone who was unable to fast for whatever reason.
• One who is healthy may not redeem the fast instead of fasting.