The Adams Street Shul

Written by Rabbi Norbert Weinberg

Friday, December 17, is the English date of the Fast of Asarah B-Tevet, which means the tenth of Tevet. It is a comparatively “minor” fast day, insofar as it is not as famous as, for example, Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av. The fast, which begins at dawn, commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, culminating in the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the first Holy Temple.

This day has taken on a far greater significance over the past years, since it was declared to be the official day of mourning for the millions of our brothers and sisters who died in the Shoah, but whose dates of death are unknown. Sadly, I have many such relatives, so I light a yahrzeit candle or them and say Kaddish on this day.

The fast day will begin this Friday morning at 5:37 AM and conclude at 4:45 PM.  However, we should not begin to eat until after we have chanted the Kiddush at home.

The unusual aspect of this fast day is that it falls on Friday.  This happens only rarely, and The Tenth of Tevet is the only fast day that can coincide with Friday.  The reason is that the Tanach is specific that it must be on this date.

Asara b-Tevet has also been chosen by the Israeli rabbinate as the Yahrzeit of the victims of the Holocaust, whose date of passing is unknown.  Those of us who have sustained such losses should consider lighting a Yahrzeit candle on this day and reciting the Kaddish.

Let us hope and pray that the sad history of the Tenth of Tevet will be replaced with new and peaceful days. Chanukah has taught us not to curse the darkness, but to light candles in ever growing numbers. May hatred and destruction soon be replaced with peace and brotherhood.

--- Rabbi Norbert Weinberg