The fast day of the 10th of Tevet is approaching, so before I discuss its history, just a brief introduction to the idea of fasting in general. Six days a year we are forbidden to eat or drink.  About eighty days of the year we are commanded to feast — a 13 to 1 ratio of feasting to fasting.  Rather than being ascetic, Judaism clearly rejoices in life and seeks ...

Read More

The Babylonian empire first laid siege to Jerusalem on the Tenth of Tevet, in about the 5th Century BCE, cutting it off from the outside world. This not only laid the groundwork for the destruction of the Temple but also caused horrific suffering for the besieged population of Jerusalem, thousands of whom died from starvation and disease. This tragedy, in and of itself would be sufficient reason to mourn and ...

Read More