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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023

One the days on which we Jews pray, repent, and fast is the 10th of Tevet. We chose this date as it commemorates the Babylonians having laid siege to Jerusalem, leading to its eventual destruction in 586 B.C.E. Interestingly, this fast (along with the 17th of Tamuz, Tisha B’Av and Tzom Gedalia) was suspended during the Second Temple period, and we volitionally reaccepted it following the second destruction in 70 C.E. Why? Because neither the people of Israel nor the  world generally has reached the place of peace, redemption, and walking humbly with God. We still have much to pray, repent, and fast over.

The tenth of Tevet is binding upon us all. Women who are pregnant and nursing are exempt, though the custom is that they make the effort to fast as well.  

At Shacharit (6:30AM) we include Selichot, Avinu Malkeynu and Torah reading, and at Mincha (4:30 PM) we include a Haftarah reading as well. 

As is true whenever we fast, we make a point a point to recall the words of Yeshayahu HaNavi concerning the ultimate meaning of a fast day:  

Behold, this is the fast that I esteem precious …. Share your food with the hungry, take the poor to your home, clothe the naked when you see them… The Lord will answer you when you call,  saying “Here I am.” 

Fast Begins – 5:47 AM 

Shacharit – 6:30 AM 

Mincha/Maariv – 4:30 PM  

Fast ends – 5:27 PM