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Break fast
Break fast
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1657 engraving of rituals to end Yom Kippur. One man makes kiddush while another blows the shofar. A child holds the havdala candle, another holds the besamim, and a third carries in food.

A break-fast is a meal eaten after fasting.

In Judaism, a break fast is the meal eaten after Ta'anit (religious days of fasting), such as Yom Kippur.[1] During a Jewish fast, no food or drink is consumed, including bread and water. The two major fasts of Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av last about 25 hours, from before sundown on the previous night until after sundown on the day of the fast.[2] Other shorter fasts during the year begin at dawn and end after sunset - this includes four almost universally observed fasts,[3] as well fasts practiced by some such as Fast of Behav, Yom Kippur Katan, Shovevim, and fasts declared by a local community.

Occurrence

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A break-fast follows each of the major Jewish fast days of Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av, as well as the four minor fast days of Fast of Gedalia, Tenth of Tevet, Fast of Esther, and Seventeenth of Tammuz. It also occurs following fasts practiced by some such as Fast of Behav, Yom Kippur Katan, Shovevim, and fasts declared by a local community.

Description

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Sometimes the fast is broken with tea and cake before eating a full meal.[4] A drink of milk or juice before the post-fast meal helps the body to readjust and diminishes the urge to eat too much or too rapidly.[5]

Customs for the first food eaten after the Yom Kippur fast differ. Iranian Jews often eat a mixture of shredded apples mixed with rose water called "faloodeh seeb." Polish and Russian Jews will have tea and cake. Syrian and Iraqi Jews eat round sesame crackers that look like mini-bagels. Turkish and Greek Jews sip a sweet drink made from melon seeds. Some people start with herring to replace the salt lost during fasting.[6] North African Jews prepare butter cookies known as ghribi/qurabiya ("ribo" among Moroccan Jews) for the meal after the Yom Kippur fast.[7][8] Among North American Ashkenazi Jews, the custom is to break the Yom Kippur fast with bagels, cream cheese, cucumbers and tomatoes, and lox or whitefish,[9] often followed by coffee and smetene kuchen (trans. "coffee cake").[10]

Orthodox Jews generally do not eat meat or drink wine at the break-fast after Tisha B'Av because the burning of the Temple on the 9th of Av is said to have continued until noon on the 10th of Av.[11] Even when the 9th of Av falls on Shabbat and Tisha B'Av is observed on the 10th, wine and meat are customarily still not consumed at the break fast, although in such a case all other Nine Days restrictions end with the fast.

In Islam

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In Islam, fasting mostly occurs during the month of Ramadan where Muslims fast for the whole duration of the month for around 30 continuous days. The fasting starts at dawn and ends by sunset where the first meal "break fast" is eaten. During the time of fasting no form of food or drink is consumed.

In Mormonism

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In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members fast for two meals on the first Sunday of every month. A "break the fast" is a common cultural event, especially among single adult congregations, where a congregation will hold a large potluck or meal at the end of the day.[12][13]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Breakfast is the first of the day that breaks the fast after the longest period of and is typically consumed before or around 12:00 p.m.. The term originates from the concept of "breaking the fast," referring to period without intake.. Historically, the tradition of a morning meal dates back to , when early humans likely consumed simple foods upon waking to restore .. In medieval , breakfast was often viewed negatively and associated with , but by the , it emerged as a recognized meal promoting overall and .. The modern emphasis on breakfast as the "most important meal of the day" gained traction in the 19th and 20th centuries, influenced by industrial advancements, from food companies like , and nutritional research highlighting its role in daily well-being.. Nutritionally, a balanced breakfast provides essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, , and carbohydrates, which replenish glucose levels, support , and enhance cognitive performance throughout the morning.. Regular breakfast consumption is linked to lower risks of , , , and high , as it helps regulate appetite and promotes healthier eating patterns later in the day.. In children and adolescents, it aids concentration, , and , making it a of programs worldwide.. Globally, breakfast customs vary widely, from hearty full English breakfasts to light Asian or yogurt-based Mediterranean options, reflecting cultural, regional, and socioeconomic influences..

Overview

Definition

Breaking a fast refers to the act of ending a period of voluntary or obligatory from food and drink, typically by consuming nourishment to resume normal eating patterns. This process marks the conclusion of intentional undertaken for reasons such as religious observance, improvement, or personal discipline, allowing the body to transition from a state of deprivation back to sustenance. The types of fasts that are broken vary in duration and purpose, including intermittent fasts, which are short-term and often involve time-restricted eating windows of several hours to a day; prolonged fasts, extending over multiple days; religious fasts, performed as ritualistic practices tied to spiritual traditions; and therapeutic fasts, aimed at health-focused outcomes like metabolic reset. Each type influences the approach to breaking the fast, though the fundamental goal remains restoring nutritional intake without abrupt disruption. Key concepts in breaking a fast emphasize rehydration through fluids like water to replenish lost electrolytes, a gradual reintroduction of nutrients via small, easily digestible portions to prevent digestive shock or , and symbolic renewal in spiritual practices, where the act signifies purification and recommencement of daily life. These principles ensure a safe and mindful resumption of eating, often holding deeper significance in religious contexts such as marking communal or personal devotion. The term "break fast" originates from the phrase "break fast," combining "break" (to end or interrupt) and "fast" (abstinence from ), with the earliest recorded uses appearing in the mid-15th century in English texts influenced by religious customs.

Historical Context

The practice of breaking fasts traces its origins to ancient civilizations in the , where abstention from served ritual and supplicatory purposes. Ancient Egyptian priests practiced for purification before sacrifices and rituals, as described by the Greek historian in the 5th century BCE. During the medieval period, monastic traditions in formalized the breaking of fasts within Christian observance. In the , early rules in Roman prescribed as a six-week period with three weeks of strict , broken daily after the ninth hour (around 3 p.m.) with simple meals of , salt, and vegetables to sustain monks; these guidelines, influenced by figures like , emphasized moderation in refeeding to avoid health risks post-abstinence. In parallel, Islamic traditions in the CE standardized through Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad, mandating the immediate breaking of the Ramadan fast at sunset with dates and water, as recorded in , to honor divine mercy and prevent undue hardship. The spread of further embedded breaking fasts in communal and calendrical practices. Jewish observances of , the Day of Atonement, gained prominence post-Babylonian Exile in the 6th century BCE, evolving from Torah prescriptions in Leviticus 16 into a full-day fast broken at nightfall with festive meals symbolizing reconciliation; historical analyses suggest this emphasis arose during the Persian period to reinforce communal identity amid reconstruction. By the , adaptations appeared in emerging movements like , where during pioneer migrations from onward, church leaders maintained monthly fast days—initially on Thursdays—broken with shared suppers to foster unity and resourcefulness amid hardships, as documented in early church records. In non-religious contexts, the saw the rise of therapeutic breaking of fasts within wellness movements. Early , rooted in European "nature cure" practices from figures like Vincent Priessnitz in the 1820s and formalized in America by Benedict Lust in 1896, incorporated supervised fasting followed by gradual reintroduction of juices and light foods to detoxify and heal, as part of broader reactions to industrialization's tolls. These methods, drawing from and , influenced American reformers who viewed controlled fast-breaking as essential for metabolic recovery.

Religious Practices

In Islam

In Islamic tradition, the primary practice of breaking the fast occurs during the month of Ramadan, known as Sawm, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), after which the fast is broken with the evening meal called Iftar. This timing aligns with the lunar calendar, ensuring the fast concludes precisely at sunset each day. The ritual of Iftar typically begins with consuming dates and water, emulating the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, who broke his fast in this manner to provide immediate nourishment after the day's abstinence. Following this, Muslims perform the Maghrib prayer, often in congregation at mosques or in homes, emphasizing gratitude and communal reflection. Iftar meals are frequently shared communally, fostering social bonds and charity, with families and communities gathering to enjoy traditional foods like soups, fruits, and breads, symbolizing abundance after restraint. Beyond Ramadan, voluntary fasts are encouraged on specific days, such as Mondays and Thursdays, or the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), to seek additional spiritual rewards. These fasts follow similar timings to Sawm, broken at sunset with dates or light meals, though they lack the obligatory status of Ramadan. Rules for invalidating fasts differ by intent: if a person eats or drinks out of forgetfulness during the fast, their fast remains valid, and they should continue observing it for the rest of the day, with no need for qada or atonement; intentional breaking during obligatory fasts, however, necessitates kaffara, such as fasting 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 needy people, as an act of expiation. For voluntary fasts, even intentional breaking incurs no penalty or makeup requirement. The theological foundation for fasting and its breaking lies in the Quran, particularly Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183), which prescribes fasting "so that you may become righteous," promoting self-discipline, empathy for the needy, and heightened God-consciousness (taqwa). Verse 2:187 further clarifies the permissibility of eating and intimacy at night, portraying these as acts of divine mercy that ease the practice while reinforcing spiritual growth. These principles underscore fasting as a means of moral purification and devotion. Historically, the observance of and its breaking rituals spread rapidly through the early Islamic caliphates in the 7th and 8th centuries, as the faith expanded from the across the , , and beyond, integrating local customs while maintaining core practices like .

In Judaism

In Jewish tradition, breaking the fast holds particular importance during major observances such as , a 25-hour fast from sunset to nightfall that concludes with a communal meal symbolizing the end of atonement. Minor fasts, including —commemorating the destruction of the Temples and observed similarly from sunset to nightfall—and Ta'anit Esther, a dawn-to-nightfall fast preceding that recalls the communal fasting in the , follow analogous patterns but on a less stringent scale. These practices emphasize a gentle return to nourishment to honor the body's recovery after . Rituals for breaking the fast prioritize ease and reverence, beginning with light, easily digestible foods such as , or to avoid digestive distress, often accompanied by hydration like or . Participants recite blessings, including the Hamotzi over and Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals) upon concluding the repast, reinforcing gratitude and spiritual closure. Family and community gatherings frequently follow synagogue services, fostering reunion and shared reflection, particularly after Yom Kippur's Neilah service. The act of breaking the fast signifies atonement, renewal, and the restoration of joy, transforming the period of self-denial into one of communal sustenance and hope. For , it marks and a fresh start, while on , it underscores mourning tempered by anticipation of redemption. Traditional guidelines, rooted in like the (Yoma 8), stress moderation in resuming eating to safeguard health, aligning spiritual observance with physical well-being. During the from the 16th to 19th centuries, regional adaptations shaped meal compositions, with Ashkenazi communities in favoring dairy-based dishes like bagels, , and for their simplicity and availability, while in the and incorporated heartier elements such as meat soups or , influenced by local Mediterranean ingredients and interfaith culinary exchanges. These variations reflect how Jewish exiles preserved core rituals amid diverse environments, ensuring the break fast remained a unifying yet culturally nuanced practice.

In Christianity

In Christianity, the practice of breaking fasts holds significant theological and communal importance, often marking the culmination of periods of abstinence modeled after ' own . One of the primary contexts is the end of , a 40-day period of and penance observed by many denominations, which concludes on Easter Sunday with celebratory meals symbolizing and renewal. In Eastern Orthodox traditions, the , also spanning 40 days from November 15 to December 24, is broken on following , transitioning into joyous feasting that emphasizes spiritual preparation for Christ's birth. Rituals surrounding the breaking of fasts vary by tradition but commonly incorporate symbolic foods to evoke themes of life and victory over death. In Western Catholic practices, breakfasts often feature eggs, dyed red to represent the and the cracking of the symbolizing the emergence from the , a custom rooted in early of rebirth. Eastern Orthodox believers, after attending on or , typically begin with light meals including , , and wine, adhering to guidelines that permit these items to break the strict from and while maintaining a sense of moderation. Theologically, these practices draw from biblical precedents, such as ' 40-day fast in the followed by , as described in Matthew 4:1-11, which underscores as a means of spiritual discipline and reliance on rather than physical sustenance. Breaking the fast emphasizes communal joy and gratitude, transforming abstinence into shared celebration that reinforces bonds within the faith community and highlights the of suffering leading to triumph. Denominational differences manifest in the approach to these rituals, with Protestants often favoring simplicity and personal devotion over formalized observances, such as informal family gatherings without prescribed foods during Lent's end. In contrast, Catholic traditions involve more elaborate feasts, including blessed Easter baskets with symbolic items shared after Mass. Among Latter-day Saints, a unique monthly fast on the first Sunday abstains from food and drink for two consecutive meals, typically broken with family meals prepared humbly, as instructed in Doctrine and Covenants 59:13-14, which calls for food to be partaken with singleness of heart to perfect the fast.

In Other Traditions

In , fasts are broken on the following day, known as Dwadashi, after sunrise following a simple puja ritual dedicated to Lord . Devotees typically consume sattvic foods such as fruits, milk products, porridge made from grains like , and vegetable sautés to gently reintroduce nourishment while maintaining purity. This practice holds particular significance in , where it is believed to facilitate spiritual purification by enhancing inward awareness and aligning the body with cosmic energies conducive to devotion. In , particularly within the tradition, laypeople observing days—lunar observance periods—abstain from solid food after until dawn the next day, effectively ending the fast with simple vegetarian meals consumed mindfully post-meditation. These meals often include offered foods like , , or fruits, eaten in one sitting between dawn and noon to honor the precepts without excess. The emphasis lies on during refeeding, where practitioners note each action of eating to cultivate concentration and avoid attachment, reinforcing the day's meditative focus. Among indigenous traditions, Native American vision quests, such as those in Lakota practices, conclude a multi-day fast with a ceremonial sacred meal following purification in a ritual. This breaking of the fast typically involves light, restorative foods prepared communally to honor the spiritual insights gained, symbolizing reintegration into the community after solitude. In Yoruba traditions, there is a seasonal against eating new yams until the harvest rituals of the Odun Ijesu , after which the prohibition is lifted through shared communal meals of pounded or boiled yams, representing abundance, ancestral blessings, and social unity. Sikhism generally discourages formalized as a means of devotion, viewing it as unnecessary for spiritual growth; however, some Punjabi Sikh women participate in spousal fasts akin to the Hindu , breaking them at moonrise with sweets offered by their husbands to express marital devotion and . This less formalized practice ties into broader cultural expressions of love rather than core Sikh tenets, which prioritize constant remembrance of the divine over ritual abstinence.

Health and Nutritional Aspects

Physiological Effects

Eating breakfast after an overnight fast of 8-12 hours helps restore blood glucose levels, which are typically low upon waking, providing energy for the and muscles. This replenishment supports cognitive functions such as , focus, and , with studies showing improved performance in tasks requiring during the morning. Metabolically, breakfast initiates a shift from the fasting state, promoting insulin secretion to facilitate from carbohydrates and replenishing liver stores depleted overnight. This process enhances overall energy metabolism and may increase fat oxidation compared to skipping the meal or eating late in the day. Research indicates that consuming aligns with circadian rhythms, aiding and reducing post-meal blood sugar fluctuations. In terms of , breakfast stimulates gastric activity after reduced overnight , improving absorption without the discomfort associated with prolonged . Regular breakfast consumption is linked to better appetite regulation throughout the day, potentially lowering risks of later. For children and adolescents, it supports and growth by providing essential morning fuel. A healthy breakfast should provide about 20-25% of daily needs, focusing on a balance of macronutrients: complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, proteins for , and healthy fats for absorption. Include whole grains (e.g., or whole-wheat ), lean proteins (e.g., eggs, , or nuts), fruits or , and low-fat to meet recommendations for , vitamins, and minerals. Guidelines emphasize avoiding high-sugar or processed foods to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes; instead, opt for low-glycemic options like plain with berries and nuts or with . For school-aged children, programs recommend nutrient-dense meals to enhance academic performance and maintain healthy weight. Hydration with water alongside supports overall . Individuals with conditions like should consult healthcare providers for personalized adjustments, such as monitoring intake. There is no single universally agreed "best" thing to break a fast with, as it depends on the fast's duration and individual tolerance. Experts commonly recommend starting with gentle, easily digestible options such as bone broth, fermented foods (e.g., unsweetened yogurt or kefir), or light soups. Bone broth is frequently highlighted as ideal because it is nutrient-dense, rich in electrolytes and minerals, hydrating, and gentle on the stomach, helping to replenish the body without overwhelming digestion. Other good options include cooked vegetables, avocados, eggs, or water-rich fruits like watermelon or bananas. Avoid heavy, high-fat, high-sugar, or high-fiber foods initially to prevent bloating, cramps, or discomfort. For breaking a prolonged fast, such as a 3-day water fast, guidelines recommend a gradual reintroduction of food to prevent digestive issues and refeeding syndrome, a potentially serious condition involving electrolyte imbalances. In the first 4–6 hours, start with small sips of bone or vegetable broth, diluted fruit juice, or fermented foods like sauerkraut juice to rehydrate and ease digestion. For the first meal (mid-morning), consume light soup, steamed vegetables, and soft fruits such as watermelon or avocado. At lunch (second meal), add proteins like eggs, fish, or yogurt along with healthy fats. For the rest of the day, eat small, frequent meals incorporating proteins, fats, and fermented foods while avoiding heavy fiber, sugars, and large portions. Over the next 1–2 days, gradually return to normal eating, prioritizing protein to support muscle repair. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to mitigate risks.

Cultural and Modern Interpretations

Regional Variations

In the Middle East and North Africa, breaking the fast often involves lavish communal iftar spreads featuring an array of mezze small plates, such as spiced lentil soup seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and lemon, served alongside pitta bread. These appetizers set the tone for shared meals that emphasize hospitality and family gatherings after sunset. Desserts play a central role, with sweets like qatayef—crescent-shaped pastries stuffed with cheese or nuts and soaked in sugar syrup—or kunafa, a layered pastry filled with melted cheese and garnished with pistachios and rosewater, providing a sweet conclusion to the day's abstinence. In Egypt, koshari emerges as a hearty staple for iftar, combining rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and a tangy tomato sauce topped with fried onions, offering nourishing sustenance rooted in street food culture during Ramadan. In , particularly and , the transition from sehri (the pre-dawn meal) to incorporates comforting beverages and sweets that reflect regional flavors and communal warmth. Sehri typically includes energizing items to sustain the fast, while begins with dates and water, followed by hot chai—milky tea infused with and spices—to soothe and hydrate after the day's restraint. Halwa, a dense or carrot-based pudding enriched with , nuts, and syrup, serves as a beloved sweet treat during , symbolizing indulgence and often shared among neighbors. Bengali variations in and eastern emphasize rice-based meals for , such as khichuri—a creamy of and lentils seasoned with spices—or with steamed , providing filling, aromatic dishes that blend everyday staples with festive elements during the holy month. Latin American traditions for breaking fasts draw from Catholic influences during , where abstinence from meat shapes meatless meals leading to celebratory breaks, especially on and . Peruvian customs in regions like incorporate empanadas during , baked turnovers filled with sweet ingredients like (dulce de leche) or savory vegetarian options, enjoyed as part of processions and family gatherings that mark the transition from to feasting. East Asian practices blend spiritual rituals with simple, symbolic foods when ending fasts. In Japan, Shinto purification observances, known as saikai (fasting), may involve abstaining from certain foods before ceremonies, with mochi—pounded rice cakes—consumed in small amounts to sustain participants without interrupting the rite, as seen in shrine traditions to maintain focus during extended rituals. Among Chinese Buddhist communities, the on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment through temple feasts featuring , a nourishing rice porridge mixed with eight ingredients like beans, nuts, and fruits, distributed freely to break a symbolic fast and foster communal blessings ahead of the .

Contemporary Adaptations

In the , intermittent fasting has surged in popularity within wellness communities, with mobile apps facilitating structured practices such as the 16:8 method, where users fast for 16 hours and break their fast with nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest options like smoothies to ease refeeding and maintain energy levels. Apps like Zero and BodyFast, which have millions of users, emphasize breaking fasts with blended meals containing fruits, , and healthy fats, such as , berries, and , to support metabolic recovery and adherence over extended periods. A large-scale of over 100,000 app users found that consistent breaking strategies, including light smoothies, contributed to sustained and retention rates of up to 52 weeks. Biohacking communities have adapted breaking fasts by incorporating ketogenic refeeds, blending with low-carb, high-fat meals to optimize cognitive function and longevity. Practitioners in these groups, often tracking biomarkers via wearables, favor post-fast meals like or fat-adapted salads to sustain and enhance focus, viewing this as a foundational for enhancement. This approach aligns with broader 2020s trends in personalized , where fasting protocols are integrated into apps for real-time . Secular adaptations in professional settings, particularly in , have popularized "fast breaks" as productivity rituals, where teams collectively end extended fasts during work hours to foster focus and camaraderie. Inspired by biohacking ethos, companies like those in the WeFast network encouraged 24- to 72-hour fasts followed by shared, light refeeds such as nut-based snacks or broths, claiming boosts in mental clarity and output without traditional breaks. These practices, detached from religious origins, emphasize empirical benefits like extended work endurance. Vegan adaptations within environmental movements reframe breaking fasts as sustainable acts, promoting plant-based refeeds to reduce carbon footprints while aligning with goals. Advocates highlight meals like salads or soups, which support ecological aims by minimizing animal agriculture's impact, as seen in wellness programs tying to . This fusion appeals to eco-conscious groups, where breaking fasts with seasonal, local produce reinforces both personal wellness and . Global influences have led to innovative fusion cuisines for breaking fasts, such as Americanized buffets that blend Middle Eastern traditions with Western elements like grilled fusion kebabs and customizable bars at urban events. In major U.S. cities, these buffets feature options alongside American staples, such as date smoothies with , catering to diverse crowds during wellness-focused gatherings. Similarly, Japanese-inspired post-yoga meals incorporate light, fermented elements like broth or salads to break fasts, drawing from practices to promote gentle after physical sessions. Social media has accelerated these adaptations, with TikTok challenges since popularizing creative breaking fast routines, such as 24-hour fasts ended with themed smoothies or high-protein bowls, amassing billions of views and encouraging user-shared recipes. Platforms like have democratized access, but sparked debates on authenticity versus , as influencers partner with apps and supplement brands, raising concerns over diluted advice amid rapid trend cycles. Critics argue this shift prioritizes viral appeal over evidence-based practices, potentially leading to unsustainable habits in non-expert users.

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