Agra Detanisa – Giving charity on a fast day:[1]
On a fast day, most people focus on what not to do—avoiding food and drink from morning until night. However, Chazal teach that a fast is not just about abstaining, but about meaningful action. One powerful and often overlooked practice is giving charity on the fast day itself. Understanding this custom helps elevate the fast from a day of restriction into a day of growth, generosity, and connection.
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- The Law:
It is an ancient[2] custom which is practiced until this very day to give charity on a fast day. So is likewise the Chabad custom.[3] [This is officially known as “Agra Detanisa,” taken from a phrase in the Talmud[4] discussing giving charity on a fast. The concept of giving charity on a fast day is hinted to in its Hebrew term “Taanis” which contains the Hebrew words Ani and Ten, which means to give to the poor.[5]]
Custom or obligation: The above matter of distributing charity on a fast day is not an obligation which was instituted by the sages but rather a custom.
- Its source and meaning:
The concept of giving charity on a fast day is first mentioned in the Talmud[6] “Agra Detanisa Tzidkasa/the reward of the fast is the charity.” The commentators differ as to the meaning of this statement. Some[7] explain that it means that the main reward one gets for fasting is for the charity that one distributes after the fast towards paupers who do not have what to eat and fasted that day. Others[8] explain that since according to some Talmudic[9] opinion it is considered sinful to fast, therefore we give charity on the fast day in order to receive the reward. Others[10] explain that the entire purpose of a fast day is to arouse a person in repentance and good deeds, and hence there is no more opportune time to distribute charity than on a fast day. Others[11] explain that since one saves money when he fasts, as he does not eat a meal therefore he may not fully fast for the sake of heaven, and hence we distribute money to charity in exchange for the meals, so one does not benefit at all from the fast.
- When to give it:
It is customary to give the charity prior to Mincha.[12] Nonetheless, there were communities who were accustomed to collect the charity in the morning.[13]
- Amount to give:
Some are accustomed to donating the worth of their meal towards charity.[14] In previous times when the Gabai collected the funds, he would place a set “tax” on every member of the community based on his income and on whether he had fasted that day.[15]
- How to give it:[16]
The charity is to be distributed with a happy and joyous countenance.
- Who collects it:
In previous times, the Gabai would make rounds amongst the community on the day of the fast, collecting charity money.
Two-Sentence Summary:
It is an established custom to give charity on a fast day, known as Igara Ditaanisa, as an essential part of the fast’s purpose. Many give the value of the meals they did not eat, preferably before Mincha, with a positive and generous spirit.
Table of Laws:
| Scenario | What To Do |
| Giving charity on a fast day | Custom to give (not a strict obligation) |
| When to give | Preferably before Mincha |
| Alternate timing | May give earlier in the day |
| Amount to give | Value of meals not eaten (custom) |
| Purpose | Enhance merit of the fast and help the poor |
| Attitude when giving | Give happily and generously |
Practical Examples:
- David prior to Davening Mincha gives the amount he would have spent on lunch to tzedakah, fulfilling the custom of Igara Ditaanisa.
- Sarah knows she saved money by not eating during the fast and donates that amount to a local charity with a cheerful attitude.
- Moshe gives his tzedakah earlier in the day, knowing he may be occupied later, relying on the custom that it may be given at any point.
[1] See Brachos 6b, and Rashi, Meiri and Mahrsha ibid; Tosafus Megillah 21a; Mateh Moshe 755; Siddur Haminhagim Tirana Minhag RC Iyar 4; Elya Raba 566:2; P”M O.C. 566 M”Z 3; M”B 566:12; Kaf Hachaim 566:15; Chida in Simchas Haregel; Toras Menachem Hisvadyos 5749 2:460 footnote 35; Likkutei Sichos 25:471
[2] Siddur Haminhagim Tirana Minhag RC Iyar 4
[3] Toras Menachem Hisvadyos 5749 2:460 footnote 35; Likkutei Sichos 25:471
[4] Brachos 6b
[5] Chida in Simchas Haregel
[6] Brachos 6b
[7] Rashi Brachos ibid
[8] Siddur Haminhagim Tirana Minhag RC Iyar 4
[9] Shmuel Taanis 11a
[10] Meiri Brachos ibid
[11] Maharsha Brachos ibid; Likkutei Chaver Ben Chaim; Toras Menachem Hisvadyos 5749 2:460 footnote 35
[12] Elya Raba 566:2; Tosafus Megillah 21a; Kaf Hachaim ibid
The reason: In order to approximate the charity to the verse which is read in the Haftorah from Yeshaya 56:1 “Shamru Mishpat Veasu Tzedaka” [Tosafus ibid] Alternatively, it is given at night in order so one can estimate how much money he saved in his meals and give that amount to charity. [Elya Raba ibid]
[13] Minhagei Amstradam
[14] Elya Raba 566:2 “Some are accustomed”; P”M O.C. 566 M”Z 3; M”B 566:12; Kaf Hachaim ibid; See Toras Menachem Hisvadyos 5749 2:460 footnote 35
[15] See Seder Troish
[16] Likkutei Sichos 25:471; See Michaber Y.D. 249:3; Rambam Matanos Aniyim 10:4