It's actually up to each one's prespective. Religious acts never *accomplish* something, or more accurately, you don't know if it accomplishes anything. When you go to a church, what does it accomplish? Nothing, because god never answers. But you still do it because it's costumed in your religion.

I think the fasting makes you think of your sins, when you "suffer" you think more about the sufferings you caused other people during the past year. Actually i'm not the most suited person to discuss this with, i'm not really religious, and there are people who know much more about WHY we fast. The only rules i follow are the ones in Yom Kipur, i don't eat pig, or eat meat products with milk products.
The Jewish religion has LOTS ot rules, but i follow almost none of them.

<<Wouldn't it be easier to just grab a whip and flog your back?>>
That is forbidden. Jewish people are not allowed to punish themselves physically, only fasting is allowed.
For example, Jewish people are not allowed to shave with a razor because you are not suppose to touch yourself with a knife.
In addition, Jewish people are not allowed to eat meat products with (or right after) milk products because it is very unhealthy. This rule was checked by scientists, and it was found that eating a cheeseburger (for example) is unhealthy and can cause problems in the digestion process.

And no harm done, you can keep asking questions, i won't be offended.

"Damn the devil, damn the devil to hell"

"I don't remember Stone Thumbs, but he has a stupid name so i hate him! Yes i do hate Egg, stupid bald little kid!-Xanran