Fasting is a commandment. At first blush it seems like a negative commandment, but the Biblical commandment is to afflict our souls (on Yom Kippur), and fasting is one way we do that. So, that fasting seems like it is done to fulfill a positive commandment. In any case, why no bracha on fasting ("asher kidshanu bemitzvotav ...") on the various fast days, full and half day?
7
-
When would you say the blessing?– Double AA ♦Commented Jan 18, 2017 at 19:02
-
1Rambam counts both a positive and negative commandment regarding fasting mechon-mamre.org/i/3300.htm– Double AA ♦Commented Jan 18, 2017 at 19:03
-
2@YehudaW Even though it is a positive commandment, it is still not an action.– sabbahillelCommented Jan 18, 2017 at 19:14
-
3Perhaps there is no Bracha as it is possible for one to break the fast and then the Bracha will be L'vatala. Also perhaps there is no Bracha on an affliction.– Gershon GoldCommented Jan 18, 2017 at 21:40
-
1I have no argument for saying a bracha at any point of the fast since this is a don't-do commandment so it doesn't get a blessing. The fact that you have no clue when to say a blessing is exactly because there is no point where you can define the action of the mitzva, since there is no action. It's the same reason you don't say a blessing every time you refrain from turning on a light on Shabbat.– Double AA ♦Commented Jan 18, 2017 at 23:10
|
Show 2 more comments
