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History and Significance: Asarah B'Tevet, the Tenth of Tevet, is a minor Jewish fast day commemorating the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia - an event that began on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tevet and ultimately led to the destruction of Solomon's Temple and the conquest of the Kingdom of Judah. The fast is observed annually and is one of four fasting events related to the destruction of the First and Second Temples.
Observance: On Asarah B'Tevet, observant Jews in Israel and around the world fast from dawn until nightfall. The fast includes abstaining from food and drink, reflecting on themes such as repentance, mourning, and communal solidarity. The day is marked by additional prayers, including Selichot (penitential prayers) and reading from the Torah during morning services. A special prayer service called "Aneinu" is added to both Shacharit (morning) and Mincha (afternoon) prayers for those fasting.
Traditions: As with other Jewish fast days, Asarah B'Tevet is a time for introspection, prayer, and strengthening one's commitment to Jewish values. It serves as a remembrance for past tragedies that befell the Jewish people while also emphasizing hope for future redemption.
In recent years, Asarah B'Tevet has also been designated by Israel's Chief Rabbinate as a general Kaddish day—a time for saying Kaddish (the mourner's prayer) for Holocaust victims whose date or place of death is unknown.
Contemporary Practices: Some people choose to engage in additional learning or attend special lectures focusing on themes related to Jerusalem's history or Jewish resilience throughout persecution. In Israel specifically, it’s not uncommon for ceremonies or events related to Holocaust remembrance to take place on this day due to its association with mourning communal losses.
It should be noted that since Asarah B'Tevet is a minor fast (as opposed to major fasts like Yom Kippur or Tisha B'Av), work and regular activities often continue as normal in Israel despite observance by religious communities.
