Asara BeTevet (Tenth of Tevet)

Asara BeTevet is a fast day, commemorating the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, which preceded the destruction of the First Temple. On this day, the siege began that led to the conquest of the city and the destruction of the Temple.

According to tradition, on this day the writing on the scroll was also recorded, which was a difficult day for Israel. Some say that on this day the memory of the death of Ezra and Nehemiah was also established. In our times, Asara BeTevet was also designated as the general day of remembrance for the martyrs of the Holocaust, whose day of death is unknown.

• Fast — from dawn until nightfall.
• Tachanun is not recited (if it falls on Shabbat, there is no fast).
• Reading the Torah and haftarah of a fast day.
• Reciting Selichot and Avinu Malkeinu.

Asara BeTevet is a rabbinic fast day, and it is the only one of the four fasts that falls even on a Friday (if it so happens). The fast lasts from dawn until nightfall. A sick person and a nursing mother are exempt, and do not need to make it up. There are no additional prohibitions (such as washing, anointing) on these fasts, but some are strict.

On Asara BeTevet, one prays the weekday service with the addition of Aneinu in the Amidah. The Torah reading is from the portion of Acharei Mot, and the haftarah from Jeremiah. Selichot and Avinu Malkeinu are recited. Tachanun is not recited.