Among the fast days in Judaism, two are widely considered major observances, while the remaining four are classified as minor fasts and kids rarely get to learn about them. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, holds immense significance, with a fast that symbolizes repentance and seeking forgiveness. Tisha B’Av is a solemn day of mourning, commemorating the destruction of the Temples and other historical tragedies. The minor fasts include the 10th of Tevet, the 17th of Tammuz, the Fast of Gedaliah, and the Fast of Esther. Although less prominent, these fasts carry their own historical and symbolic importance, reminding the Jewish community of past calamities and serving as opportunities for reflection and remembrance.
Six Jewish Fast Days
These are six significant fast days in Judaism, but it’s important to note that there are other minor fast days and optional fasts observed by different Jewish communities.
- Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is considered the most important and solemn fast day in Judaism. It occurs on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei. During this 25-hour fast, Jews abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs, focusing on repentance and seeking forgiveness for their sins.
- Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av, commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is a day of mourning for various tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history. This, too, is a full 25 hours fast, during which Jews abstain from food, drink, bathing, wearing leather shoes, and other pleasurable activities.
- The 10th of Tevet commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon, leading to the destruction of the First Temple. It is a sunrise-to-sunset fast. The day became a “General Kaddish Day” in Israel starting in 1950. It is a day dedicated to collectively mourning and reciting the Kaddish for the victims of the Holocaust whose exact dates of death are unknown.
- The 17th of Tammuz marks the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans. This fast day also recalls other historical calamities. It is a sunrise-to-sunset fast.
- The Fast of Gedaliah takes place on the third day of Tishrei, following Rosh Hashanah. It commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah, who was appointed by the Babylonians as governor of Judah after the destruction of the First Temple.
- The Fast of Esther occurs on the day before Purim, on the 13th of Adar. It commemorates the fast observed by Queen Esther and the Jewish community before she approached King Achashverosh to save the Jewish people from Haman’s evil plot, as described in the Book of Esther.
Add a Hebrew Spin to the Learning
Integrating the teaching of gematria and the use of the Hebrew calendar alongside the lessons about fasts presents a valuable opportunity for a comprehensive Jewish education. Gematria, the numerical value system associated with Hebrew letters, adds a layer of depth to understanding Jewish texts and traditions. By exploring gematria in the context of fasts, children can discover the hidden meanings and connections embedded within sacred writings, strengthening their analytical skills and fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness of Jewish wisdom.
Furthermore, incorporating the Hebrew calendar into the study of fasts provides children with a practical tool for navigating Jewish observances and milestones throughout the year. Understanding the Hebrew months, their corresponding holidays, and the interplay with the lunar cycle not only helps children track the fast days but also enables them to actively engage in the rhythm of Jewish life. By learning to read and interpret the Hebrew calendar, children develop a sense of ownership and agency in their religious practice, fostering a lifelong connection to their heritage and the ability to actively participate in Jewish rituals and celebrations.
