3:39 AM on Apr. 16, 2008
Why don't firstborns celebrate the fact that they were saved from the 10th plague - the smiting of Egyptian firstborns?
Tomorrow - Thursday - firstborns will fast in memory of them fasting in Egypt on Erev Pessach, to ensure they wouldn't be punished along with the Egyptians in the 10th plague. The Hallel said at the Seder includes praise for their delivery.
The fast is usually on Erev Pessach; since we don't fast on Shabbat, and fasting on Friday is also not a pleasant way to greet Shabbat, so the fast was advanced to Thursday.
All firstborns males fast; even if they're only a firstborn to one of their parents.
Even firstborns who are exempt from Pidyon haBen - like Cohanim, Levites or being born after a stillborn - also have to fast.
The father of a young firstborn needs to fast for him.
Whether a firstborn (or his father) may attend a Se'udat Mitzva like a Siyum, Bris or Pidyon haBen and break his fast to participate in the meal, depends on local / family custom. Once he breaks his fast he can eat for the rest of the day.
A firstborn may break his fast after nightfall, before doing Bedikas Chometz, if needed.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 113:6, 115:2
- Danny
11 Nissan 5768
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