What are the guidelines for the 3 fasts before Bas Mitzvah?

 

The myth that a child should fast on the 3 fasts before his/her Bar/Bas Mitzvah has no source in Halacha.

On Yom Kippur, children from around nine or ten years old are trained to fast for a number of hours appropriate to their age and ability. Ideally, boys who are 12 and girls who are 11 should attempt to fast the entire day, if possible. However, if needed for their health or wellbeing, they may and should eat.

Some also have the custom that children fast at least the night of Tisha B’Av once they reach that stage of training.

Children younger than this must not be allowed to fast at all, even if they wish to.

For all other fasts, children are entirely exempt, even from partial fasting.

(Once a boy turns Bar Mitzvah and a girl turns Bas Mitzvah, they are obligated to fast like any other adult).

 

 

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