The Gemara in Maseches Rosh HaShana (18b) says that there are three categories regarding the four fasts (of Asarah b’Teves, Shiva Asar b’Tamuz, Tisha b’Av, and Tzom Gedaliah) : 1) when there is gezeiras malchus (persecution) all four fasts are obligatory as fasts, 2) when there is no gezeiras malchus but also not shalom only Tisha b’Av is obligatory, and the rest are optional, 3) when there is shalom all four are Yamim Tovim.  […]

Why do we fast on Tisha B’av?  The primary answer, of course, is to remember the destruction of the Bet HaMikdash and Yerushalayim. Yet, according to the Navi Zechariah, not only Tisha B’av, but all four of the fast days (in which we remember Yerushalayim) will one day take on an added dimension. In the […]

“For the sin we committed before You by eating and drinking.” In the “Al Het” sin list we read multiple times over Yom Kippur, the appearance of a confession about eating and drinking seems odd; it feels prosaic and trivial next to unwarranted hatred or speaking ill of others. It takes physical strength to fast; […]

Selichos Sichos: Tzom Gedaliah – presented by Rabbi Gavriel Price. An explanation of selicha #53. Between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur Hashem makes his presence more accessible and therefore repentance, is more attainable.

Tzom Gedaliah commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah Ben Achikam, the Governor of Israel during the days of Nebuchadnezzar…