Break-the-fast Menu Ideas

Fasting on Yom Kippur and other fasting holidays is probably not your favorite part of Judaism, and it’s certainly not mine. After all, not eating for 25 hours can be really challenging for some people (me, I am talking about me) even if participating in fasting plays a meaningful role in observance. There are also multiple medical reasons why someone should not fast, or may choose not to fast, and thats just A OKAY.

Preparing a special pre-fast meal and post fast meal can be a sacred part of Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av, since replenishing and nourishing after a fast is b. There are also strategies for hydrating before a fast, and the best foods to eat before a fast, so don’t ignore the nutrional part of these menus.

While many American Jews do enjoy breaking a fast with bagels and lox, there are so many other wonderful dishes to consider from different Jewish backgrounds, or just because they are delicious and satisfying. Here’s a few favorites to consider:

Photo credit Emily Paster

Homemade Labneh

Michael Solomonov’s Hummus

Israeli Salad

Indian Sprouted Bitter Peas for Tisha B’Av

Moroccan Sesame and Anise Tea Biscuits

Savory Cheese Kugel

Cinnamon Noodle Kugel

everything but the bagel bourekas
Photo credit Chaya Rapaport

Everything Bagel Borekas

Ethiopian Dabo Bread

Sour Cream Apple Coffee Cake

Guava Rugelach

Banana Pumpkin Bread

Zimtsterne Star Cookies

zimtserne star cookies break fast
Photo credit Sheri Silver


Keep on Noshing

How to Hydrate for Yom Kippur (Other than Drinking Water)

Hint: You don't need to chug down liters of water an hour before.

Trader Joe’s Has All You Need for Yom Kippur Break-Fast

Our favorite one stop shop for your bagel and schmear spread.