Tzom Gedaliah
Tzom Gedaliah, or the Fast of Gedaliah, is a Jewish fast day observed on the third day of the Hebrew month of Tishri, which typically falls in September or October. This fast commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah Ben Achikam, who served as the governor of the remnants of Israel under Babylonian rule in the sixth century B.C. After the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, they allowed many Jews, particularly the poorer peasantry, to remain in the countryside, where Gedaliah was appointed to govern them. His murder led to significant repercussions, including the loss of the autonomy granted to the Jewish community and further exile of the Jewish people by King Nebuchadnezzar. Tzom Gedaliah is part of the 10 Penitential Days that conclude with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. While considered a minor fast, it involves abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, and those who observe it may participate in special Torah readings. There are no prohibitions on work or bathing during this day. The observance of Tzom Gedaliah varies among Jewish communities, with many not marking it at all.
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Tzom Gedaliah
Tzom Gedaliah
The Jewish Fast of Gedaliah, Tzom Gedaliah, falls on the third day of the Hebrew month of Tishri (in the course of September or October).
Tzom Gedaliah is the third of the 10 Penitential Days, which end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is a fast commemorating the assassination in the sixth century b.c. of Gedaliah Ben Achikam, who ruled Israel on behalf of the powerful Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. At the time Babylon was probably the most powerful state in the Middle East, and it had come to rule Israel. Although the Babylonians sacked Jerusalem and sent many Jews into exile, Nebuchadnezzar left most of the poorer peasantry alone, permitting them to remain in the countryside where they worked in vineyards and tended livestock. Gedaliah was appointed as their governor, and a semiautonomous Jewish state thus survived the Babylonian onslaught. However, Gedaliah was assassinated, and in retaliation for the murder of his official representative Nebuchadnezzar not only ended the region's autonomy but also had the remaining Jews sent into exile.
Tzom Gedaliah is generally considered to be a minor fast and is probably not observed by many Jews. Those who do observe it abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset on that day and may attend special readings of the Torah. There are no restrictions on bathing or work, however.
Bibliography
"The Fast of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedaliah)." NJOP, njop.org/resources/holidays/complete-guide-to-holidays/the-fast-of-gedaliah-tzom-gedaliah/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2020.
Gilad, Elon. "Who Was Gedaliah, and Why Do Jews Fast for Him?" Haaretz, 18 Sept. 2014, www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-why-do-jews-fast-for-gedaliah-1.5302724. Accessed 23 Apr. 2020
"Jewish Holidays: The Fast of Gedaliah." Jewish Virtual Library, American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-fast-of-gedaliah. Accessed 23 Apr. 2020.
Posner, Menachem. "Tzom Gedaliah Fast Day." Chabad.org, www.chabad.org/library/article‗cdo/aid/2316462/jewish/Tzom-Gedaliah-Fast-Day.htm. Accessed 23 Apr. 2020.