Yom Kippur: Fasting

Yom Kippur begins tonight and while many non Jews (and Jews) see it as a day of fasting, this is not the central theme of the day.  Of course I have written about that issue in the past, so here I am going to address a little tidbit I have found with the fasting itself.

A common saying one gives to another during and before Yom Kippur is "To have a peaceful fast"  I have a serious problem with this statement as does the laws concerning the Day of Atonement.

If the purpose of fasting is to abandon world desires for a day and focus on enlightenment, then the last thing any person should be desiring  is peace.  Instead, this should be a time of deep reflection.  Of inspiration.  Yom Kippur should be a tumultuous day.  One of great learning.

So instead, I will wish all of my Jewish friends an insightful fast, rather than a peaceful one.