B"H
Friday, Tevet 10, 5781 / December 25, 2020
Today (Friday), the 10th day of the Hebrew month,Tevet, is a fast day.
On this day, in the year 3336 (-425), Nebuchadnezar, king of Babylon, began his siege of Jerusalem. It ended in the year 3338 (-423), with the destruction of the First Beth Hamikdash (Holy Temple) and the exile of Jews from Israel to Babylon.
Though Nebuchadnezar's mighty army laid siege to Jerusalem, the small Jewish army within its walls inflicted heavy loses on their attackers. Despite starvation in the city, they fought heroically for two and a half years. Finally, on the 17th of Tammuz (also a fast day), Nebuchadnezar's army breached the walls of Jerusalem and three weeks later, on the 9th of Av (also declared as a fast day) they set fire to the Holy Temple.
The First Temple was built by King Solomon four hundred and forty years after the Jewish people came to Israel. That Temple stood for 410 years until it was destroyed by Nebuchadnezar.
Q. Why should we remember a tragic event which took place thousands of years ago?
A. The Code of Jewish Law states the reason for these fasts, which is relevant to us today: "The purpose of the fast is to stir our hearts to repentance and to remind us of our own misdeeds, as well as those of our ancestors, which brought upon them and us, all these troubles. Remembering these events encourages us to improve our ways."
On a positive note: The Prophets tell us that these fast days will be suspended when Moshiach comes and will, in fact, become days of happiness, rejoicing and festivity. May he come speedily in our days and may these fast days be days of rejoicing. Amen.
Q. How many fast days are there throughout the year and which are they?
A.There are six fast days during the year. The order of the fasts as they occur in the Hebrew calendar are: Tzom Gedaliya - Fast of Gedaliya (3rd of Tishrei); Yom Kippur (10th of Tishrei); Asara B'Tevet (10th of Tevet); Ta'anit Esther - Fast of Esther (13th of Adar); Shiva Asar B'Tammuz (17th of Tammuz); Tisha B'Av (9th of Av). Four of them are associated with the destruction of the Temple.
Q. How long did the First & Second Temple stand?
A. The First Temple was built by King Solomon four hundred and forty years after the people of Israel entered into the Land of Israel. The First Temple stood for 410 years until it was destroyed, as mentioned above, by Nebuchadnezar. The Second Temple was built by Ezra the Scribe and stood for 420 years.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montrealcandle lighting time: 3:58 / Shabbat ends: 5:07