The Tenth of Teveth
The Tenth of Teveth is one of four fast days commemorating the destruction of the Temple.* On this day, the Babylonian King Nevuchadnetzar (Nebuchadnezzar) laid siege to the city of Jerusalem, resulting in its capture two and half years later, and with it the destruction of the First Temple. The Tenth of Teveth marks the first event in the tragic history of Exile and Dispersion that has befallen the Jewish People.
The purpose of a fast is to inspire repentance. By reflecting on the tragedies of the past and present, we will hopefully resolve to improve ourselves, and merit a brighter future for ourselves and coming generations. In particular, our Torah teachers note that the Second Temple was destroyed because of hatred without cause, and we are therefore encouraged to work on increasing our love for each other.
Like all fast days (except Yom Kippur and the Ninth of Av), this is a daytime-only fast; eating and drinking are prohibited between dawn nightfall. Allowances are made in cases of illness, and a rabbi should be consulted if one has difficulty fasting. To find out precise times for starting and ending the fast in your zip code, visit www.myzmanim.com, or call 718.331.TIME (8463).
*The others are: the Ninth of Av, the Seventeenth of Tammuz, and the Third of Tishrei (the Fast of Gedalia)
The purpose of a fast is to inspire repentance. By reflecting on the tragedies of the past and present, we will hopefully resolve to improve ourselves, and merit a brighter future for ourselves and coming generations. In particular, our Torah teachers note that the Second Temple was destroyed because of hatred without cause, and we are therefore encouraged to work on increasing our love for each other.
Like all fast days (except Yom Kippur and the Ninth of Av), this is a daytime-only fast; eating and drinking are prohibited between dawn nightfall. Allowances are made in cases of illness, and a rabbi should be consulted if one has difficulty fasting. To find out precise times for starting and ending the fast in your zip code, visit www.myzmanim.com, or call 718.331.TIME (8463).
*The others are: the Ninth of Av, the Seventeenth of Tammuz, and the Third of Tishrei (the Fast of Gedalia)