---
title: Siman 616 – Children Fasting
description: "וChelek 6 1. Children are restricted from wearing shoes on Yom Kippur. We are not allowed to wash nor anoint them even by telling a non-jew to do it. (ShA - MB ) 1. A strong boy or girl who…"
url: "https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-616-children-fasting/"
updated: "2026-08-16"
category: Laws of Yom Kippur
---

# Siman 616 – Children Fasting

וChelek 6

1. Children are restricted from wearing shoes on Yom Kippur. We are not allowed to wash nor anoint them even by telling a non-jew to do it. (ShA  - MB )

1. A strong boy or girl who turns age 9 (10 for a weaker child) before Yom Kippur should begin the training to fast by postponing breakfast for an hour or so.(ShA )

1. The general rule these days is not to allow a child under bar mitzvah to complete the fast. If a child is known do be exceptionally healthy and strong, fasting is permitted from age 11.. (ShA  - MB )

1. If a 13 year old boy (or 12 year old girl) knows that he still does not have any pubic hairs, he does not need to fast the 4 fasts. However since Yom Kippur is d’oraisa he must fast - we are worried that the hair fell out. (ShA  - MB )

1. A child under 9 years old should be rebuked for attempting to fast even part time. (ShA  - MB )

## Key

**ShA**
 : Shulchan Aruch

**MB**
 : Mishna Berura

**ShaH**
 : Shaar Hatsiun

**ShaT**
 : Shaaray Teshuva

**BeH**
 : Beur Halacha

**BaH**
 : Baer Haytayv

  [← PreviousSiman 615Marital Relations Prohibited](https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-615-marital-relations-prohibited/)[Next →Siman 617Individuals Who are Not Required to Fast](https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-617-individuals-who-are-not-required-to-fast/)

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