I was recently asked to fast as a part of a multi-faith community fast as spiritual preparation for doing voter engagement work (I work for a multi-faith, multi-ethnic community organization.)
Here is what I was asked: "As a community, we will be working together to turn the voices of our communities into votes and it feels fitting to begin this journey collectively. Personally, I will be asking God to empty me of my fears and concerns and to fill me with strength and power. What will it mean to you?"
Somehow, this doesn't seem to resonate with Jewish traditions of fasting (ie mourning or strength for a time of great oppression). What does Halacha have to say about fasting for non-halachic reasons?