Prefast Meal for Tisha B’av

It is a traditional custom to refrain from eating meat and drinking alcohol during the Nine Days leading up to Tisha B’Av. We have all enjoyed quite a few dairy menus over the past week, and now I want to offer some practical fasting tips alongside my ultimate pre-fast menu suggestion.

Top Tips for an Easy Fast

• Prioritize Hydration: There is nothing more important during these hot summer days than staying hydrated. Start increasing your water intake a few days before the fast begins, rather than chugging it all at the final meal.
• Wean Off Caffeine: If you are a regular coffee or caffeinated cola drinker, switch to decaf a day or two in advance. This will help you avoid or delay the inevitable fast-day withdrawal headache.
• Keep it Filling, Not Heavy: Plan a satisfying but clean meal. Many of us get anxious about a 24-hour fast and overstuff ourselves right before the sundown deadline, which only leads to discomfort. You want sustained energy, not a food coma.

The Ultimate Pre-Fast Menu

Here is a filling, meatless menu designed to keep you cool, hydrated, and satisfied.

VEGAN CORN CHOWDER

This corn chowder can be served warm, but it is absolutely spectacular chilled. It is the perfect refreshing start to this meal, especially since Tisha B’Av falls right at the peak of sweet summer corn season.

ARTICHOKE AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO FARROTO

Scroll to continue

Any risotto is a comfort-food win, but substituting standard rice for farro (a hearty, ancient whole grain) is a total pre-fast game changer. It releases its energy slowly into your system to keep you sated longer, and unlike traditional rice risotto, it reheats beautifully if you want to make it ahead of time.

SALMON FISH STICKS

These crispy, oven-baked salmon sticks add the perfect hit of clean protein to the meal. They make fantastic sides for the adults, and any leftovers are perfect for the kids to snack on while the adults are fasting (or as a quick bite for yourself when breaking the fast).

FRESH BASIL SALAD

Light, crisp, and incredibly refreshing, this vibrant salad is the ultimate summer side dish. It brings together a beautiful mix of textures—from tender lettuce and chicory to crunchy julienned carrots, zucchini, and radishes, all tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes, slivered almonds, and a bright lemon vinaigrette.

Why it works: Raw vegetables like zucchini, radishes, and tomatoes have an incredibly high water content, making this salad a hydration powerhouse. Plus, the healthy fats from the olive oil and almonds slow down digestion, helping to keep you full and satisfied well into the fast.

Bonus: Leftovers are great for break the fast too.

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE CREAM

You don’t need dessert, but ice cream is arguably the ultimate pre-fast treat. The fats and protein in dairy help slow down digestion, keeping you fuller for longer into the night, while the cool temperature keeps you refreshed.

The Easy Route: To keep prep stress-free, whip up a simple “no-churn” version by folding crushed graham crackers and fresh strawberry puree into whipped heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. If you don’t want to make it from scratch, simply serve fresh, ripe summer strawberries over a high-quality scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!

I hope this menu and these tips give you some great ideas for your holiday prep. If you have any favorite pre-fast traditions or tips to share, we would love to hear them—just post them in the comments below.

Have an easy and meaningful fast!