On Yom Kippur we focus on spiritual elevation. One way to do this is to abstain from the physical such as food, sex, work, material possessions, and superficial pleasures. More specifically, these five physical activities are forbidden on Yom Kippur:

* eating and drinking

* marital relations

* washing

* wearing leather shoes

* applying lotions

There are several ways to prepare yourself physically for the fast. The day before the fast, eat something small every two hours and avoid caffeine and salt. Plan the final meal before the fast early enough in the afternoon so that you are not rushed. Plan the menu of this final meal so that it contains high carbohydrate and low salt foods. Do not eat too much in the meal before the fast, but drink plenty of water. Leave time after the meal to drink warm water with sugar and brush teeth.

According to the Talmud, eating the day before Yom Kippur is a mitzvah equal to the mitzvah of fasting on the day of Yom Kippur. The festive meal before the fast is called Seudah Mafseket ("final meal"). While we do not say kiddush over the wine at this meal, we do bless the challah. Meat is not eaten during this meal, but poultry can be eaten. It is traditional to eat soup, but important to put as little salt and seasoning in the soup as possible. The boiled turkey or chicken from the soup can be served as a healthy pre-fast entree. It is also traditional to serve the soup with kreplach, dough filled with potato, because we hope any strict judgment from God will be covered with kindness.

Fruit Soup or Pareve Ice Cream

Most people break the fast with dairy food. In my synagogue in Israel we break the fast together with cakes and tea. In the Diaspora, family and friends often break fast together at someone's home. Bagels with cream cheese and lox is a popular break fast menu. Coffee cake is often served also.