Introduction — The Mitzvot of Yom Kippur
This section contains four commandments:
Positive commandments:
- To rest on Yom Kippur
- To fast (afflict oneself)
Negative commandments:
- Not to perform work
- Not to eat or drink
Halachah 1 — Resting from Work
It is a positive commandment to refrain from all work on Yom Kippur.
- Anyone who performs work:
- Violates a positive commandment
- AND a negative commandment
Punishment:
- Intentional → karet
- Unintentional → sin offering
Halachah 2 — Yom Kippur Equals Shabbat (Almost)
All prohibitions of Shabbat apply to Yom Kippur:
- Same forbidden labors
- Same categories of liability
Key difference:
- Shabbat → stoning (for willful violation)
- Yom Kippur → karet
Also:
- Rabbinic prohibitions apply as well
- One receives lashes for lesser violations
Halachah 3 — Preparing Food Late in the Day
From mid-afternoon:
- It is permitted to:
- Prepare vegetables
- Crack nuts
- Prepare food for after the fast
Reason:
- To reduce discomfort after Yom Kippur
However:
- If Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat → forbidden all day
- Custom: Many communities avoid this entirely
Halachah 4 — The Mitzvah of Affliction (Fasting)
There is a positive mitzvah to afflict oneself, meaning:
→ To fast (no eating or drinking)
If one eats:
- Violates a positive commandment
- Violates a negative commandment
- Punishment: karet (intentional)
Halachah 5 — The Five Afflictions
In addition to fasting, the Sages teach that one must avoid:
- Washing
- Anointing
- Wearing leather shoes
- Marital relations
Important:
- These are obligatory
- But only eating and drinking carry karet
Other violations → rabbinic lashes
Halachah 6 — Day and Night + Adding Time
All obligations apply:
- Day and night
- Beginning and end of Yom Kippur
Key mitzvah:
Add time from weekday into holiness
So:
- Start fasting before sunset
- End fasting after nightfall
Halachah 7 — Not Rebuking in Certain Cases
If people (e.g., some women) eat until nightfall unknowingly:
→ We do not rebuke them
Reason:
- Better they err unknowingly than deliberately
This reflects a broader principle in halachah.