Fast of the 10th of Tevet

The fast of the 10th of Tevet commemorates the day on which the Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem, leading to its eventual destruction in 586 B.C.E. This fast (along with the 17th of Tamuz, Tisha B’Av and Tzom Gedalia) was actually suspended during the Second Temple period, but was volitionally reaccepted by the community of Israel at some point following the second destruction in 70 C.E. This was motivated by the general state of physical insecurity that the Jewish people faces on a continuous basis. Even with the great blessing of Medinat Yisrael, we still await the day when “Israel dwells in security”, and thus these fasts are binding upon of us. Women who are pregnant and nursing are exempt, though the custom is that they make the effort to fast as well. 

We mark the 10th of Tevet with special inclusions in davening. At Shacharit (6:30AM) we include Selichot, Avinu  Malkeynu and Torah reading, and at Mincha (4:15PM) 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: