Shailah of the Week by Rabbi Zvi Nussbaum

Rabbinic Coordinator, Kosher Hotline Administrator for the Orthodox Union

When is the latest that one is permitted to eat on erev Yom Kippur? May one continue eating right up until shkia (sunset)?

Although Yom Kippur is on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, the Torah (Vayikra 23:32) writes that Yom Kippur should be observed beginning the ninth of Tishrei towards evening.

From this, the Talmud (Yoma 81b) infers that there is a mitzvah to add to the fast of Yom Kippur while it is still daytime. Although Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 608:1) writes that there is no set amount of time that one is required to add, Mishnah Berurah (Bi’ur Halachah 261, s.v. eizeh) recommends that one begin the fast at least 13 and a half minutes prior to sunset.