Question

On Yom Kippur, if someone is physically weak and concerned that attending shul might force them to break their fast, is it better for them to stay in bed and fast, even if it means missing all the prayers, or should they try to attend services and risk having to eat?

Answer

The primary obligation on Yom Kippur is to fast. Therefore, if a person feels that staying in bed is necessary to complete the fast, it is preferable to do so—even if it means missing all the prayers in shul. Preserving the fast takes precedence in this situation, as the fast is a core component of Yom Kippur observance. In fact many Rabbanim Anshei Maaseh during their older years do so annually, and remain in bed every Yom Kippur, not coming to Shul even for Neilah, hence prioritizing the main obligation of the day.