On Yom Kippur, traditional Jewish law says you do not drink water during the 25‑hour fast; both food and drink are prohibited.

Core rule in brief

  • Classical halacha (Jewish law) treats Yom Kippur as a total fast from both food and liquids, including plain water.
  • Many observant Jews therefore avoid not only drinking but even rinsing the mouth or brushing teeth with water unless there is a specific need.

Important exceptions

Jewish law is very strong on the principle that preserving life and health comes first , even over fasting.

You are typically not expected to fast fully if:

  • You have a medical condition where fasting or going without water could be dangerous (e.g., certain heart issues, kidney problems, diabetes, risk of fainting or severe dehydration).
  • You are pregnant or nursing and a doctor or rabbi is concerned about your or the baby’s health.
  • You are elderly, very frail, or have recently been seriously ill or hospitalized.
  • You are a child under bar/bat mitzvah age (under 13).

In such cases, poskim (halachic authorities) often allow:

  • Drinking in small measured amounts at intervals (known as shiurim), or
  • Drinking normally if even that restriction would be risky.

Practical tips people discuss

Many religious and community sites emphasize pre‑fast hydration so that going 25 hours without water is safer and more comfortable.

Common advice includes:

  • Start drinking extra water 1–2 days before Yom Kippur instead of chugging right before the fast.
  • Cut down on caffeine and very salty foods in the day or two beforehand so you are less thirsty.
  • Eat balanced meals with complex carbs and protein before the fast, and include fruits and vegetables with high water content (like watermelon, cucumber, grapes).

Different viewpoints & online discussion

  • Traditional Orthodox practice: no water at all unless there is a genuine health concern, in which case rabbinic and medical guidance is strongly recommended.
  • Many online Jewish forums and community posts stress that “a day of fasting won’t kill you, but your health comes first,” highlighting that you should not endanger yourself to keep the fast.
  • Reform and more liberal communities often emphasize individual health and may be more lenient in practice while still encouraging spiritual participation in the day.

What you should do personally

  • If you are healthy and follow traditional practice: the answer to “can you drink water on Yom Kippur?” is no , you avoid both food and drink.
  • If you have any health concern (including medications that require water, pregnancy, history of fainting, or serious illness), speak to:
    1. A doctor who knows your condition, and
    2. A competent rabbi (or local religious authority) who can advise how to modify the fast (small sips, partial fast, or full exemption).

You should never risk your health to keep the fast; protecting life is considered a higher mitzvah than fasting itself.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.