These halachos of Children on Yom Kippur are based on the Mishna Berura reflecting Ashkenazi practice.
Children Fasting on Yom Kippur
- When children reach the age of 9, or 10 if they are of weaker disposition, we start training them to fast a little according to their capability. They should refrain from eating (and drinking) at night and only start doing so in the morning at a later time than they normally would, delaying by an hour or more based on what they can manage. (SA 616:2).
- Younger children: Some have the custom to train children even under the age of 9 to fast a little, by at least not eating on Yom Kippur night and perhaps delaying their morning meal a little as well. However, if they are hungry or thirsty within this time and want to eat or drink they should be allowed to do so and certainly if there are any concerns about their health they should not be trained to fast at all (SA 616:2, PT 2, Dirshu 22)
- From age 11: Whilst it used to be the case that from age 11, healthy boys and girls would fast the entire day, we assume that nowadays they lack the strength to do so and they should instead fast a number of hours based on their ability, ideally at least until the afternoon (SA 616:2, MB 9, PT 2).
- Once girls reach the age of 12 and boys the age of 13, they must the fast the entire day, as per other adults (SA 616:2).
Other Restrictions
- We train children in the aspects of the day which will not cause them distress.
- Bathing and Annointing: Therefore, one should not anoint or bathe one’s children, except under the circumstances that it is permissible for an adult to do so (MB 616:3)
- Leather shoes: Children should similarly not wear leather shoes. Contemporary poskim debate how this applies to very young children (under age 6) and whether to be lenient if one believes the child needs to specifically wear leather shoes to be saved from distress (such as in a cold climate); consult your Rav for practical guidance if required (see PT 616:2, Dirshu 6).
