Welcome to stories of impact. In every episode, we travel the world to explore intersections

of science and spirituality. I'm your host, writer Tavia Gilbert, and along with journalist

Richard Sergei, every first and third Tuesday, we look through a new lens at old

traditions, hear from new generations as they dream up innovative solutions and learn new

ways to make sense of modern life. This is Stories of Impact, the art and science of human

flourishing. Today's episode builds on last week's conversation

about the spiritual and practical benefits of fasting. Today, we hear from two scholars about

research focusing on what is considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism, Yom Kippur.

During the 25-hour Day of Atonement, observant Jews focus on deepening their relationship with God

through prayer, community connection, and by fasting.

Over the last three years, two researchers from Arizona State University have been on a scientific mission to understand the universal impact of the fasting ritual.

For Dr. Adam Cohen, ASU professor of psychology, Yom Kippur is woven into the very fabric of his identity.

Well, this is something I've done my whole life for religious reasons,

and there is not very much science about the potential benefits of it,

strengthening their spirituality or strengthening their connections with people in their community

or becoming a better person.

I think that religious fasting often does come with those goals,

and that's why I think it's an important topic to study.

This is a practice that a lot of people from a variety of religious traditions do.

Muslims might fast on Ramadan,

some Mormons fast one Sunday a month, and they save up that money and give that

money to charity. Jewish people might fast on several fast days throughout the year, but most

...