Gedaliah Fast

When did the Gedaliah Fast start?

The first recorded date of Gedaliah Fast being celebrated on September 9 was in the year 519 B.C.E..

About Gedaliah Fast Holiday

Gedaliah Fast is an annual Jewish fast day that falls on the 3rd of Tishrei on the Jewish calendar (which corresponds to the 18th of September). The fast commemorates the death of Gedaliah, the Jewish governor of Judah appointed by King Nebuchadnezzar. Gedaliah was assassinated after he was betrayed by one of his Jewish advisors, a man named Ishmael. The fast mourning Gedaliah is one of three public fast days called "The Three Weeks," and it falls on the same day as the fast mourning the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

The purpose of fasting on Gedaliah Fast is to remember the tragedy of Gedaliah's death and to express contrition for the sins and improprieties that might have led to his death. It is also believed that fasting can bring atonement in times of mourning and that it has the potential to wipe away the sin of murder. On the day of the fast, people usually attend synagogue services, read passages from the Bible, hold memorial offerings, and recite special prayers specifically for Gedaliah.

Gedaliah Fast – Introduction

The Gedaliah Fast is an annual fast observed throughout the Jewish Diaspora and Israel for two reasons: to commemorate the death of Gedaliah, who was assassinated by Ishmael with the support of Babylonian rulers, in the year 586 BCE and to mark the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. The fast is observed on the 18th day of the month of Tishrei, which generally falls in September or October. It is a day of reflection, sorrow and mourning, but also repentance and prayer.

History of Gedaliah Fast

The Gedaliah Fast has a long and storied history, stretching back to the period after the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BC. After the Assyrian Empire had conquered the Kingdom of Israel, Babylonian troops under Nebuchadnezzar II subsequently destroyed Jerusalem and killed many Jews. The remaining Jews, led by Jeremiah, were taken into Babylonian exile in 597 BC.

Several years later, in the year 586 BC, the Babylonian Empire was defeated by the Persian Army, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Gedaliah, a Jewish governor appointed by Cyrus the Great of Persia, welcomed the returning Jews and promised to protect them. Despite his good will, a group of Jews led by Ishmael assassinated Gedaliah as revenge for a Babylonian exile. In the aftermath of the Gedaliah assassination, the Babylonians deported 70,000 of the remaining Jews and destroyed the First Temple.

In memory of these tragic events, the 18th of Tishrei (generally in September or October) was declared a day of fasting among the Jewish people in commemoration. This date marks the day Gedaliah was assassinated and the fall of Jerusalem, and hence it has become the day when Jews throughout the world gather together to observe the Gedaliah Fast.

Observance of Gedaliah Fast

The Gedaliah Fast is observed in many different ways throughout the world. Generally speaking, special prayers and religious rituals are held at synagogues or in private homes on this day.

In Israel, the Gedaliah Fast is typically observed in a very solemn atmosphere. People gather in synagogues for a ceremony known as “shabbat chazak” (the Sabbath of Strength). During this ceremony, special prayers of mourning are recited and hymns of repentance are sung. A communal Ashamnu (confessional prayer) is also recited following the Kol Nidre prayer. Some people also observe a day-long fast, refraining from eating and drinking for 25 hours.

In the United States, most synagogues hold special services on the Gedaliah Fast. During the service, prayers of repentance are offered as well as readings from the prophets such as Jeremiah. People are encouraged to reflect upon the events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem, and to make an effort to repent and improve their lives. Many people observe a shorter fast, usually lasting until the end of the evening service.

In other countries in the Diaspora, the Gedaliah Fast is usually observed in much the same manner. Special synagogue services are held and Mizmor Shir Chadash (a special prayer for repentance) is recited. Some people even observe a full day of fasting, similar to the custom practiced in Israel.

Conclusion

The Gedaliah Fast is an important day of remembrance and repentance for Jews throughout the world. It is a day to reflect upon the events leading up to the destruction of the First Temple, and to work to improve one’s own life. Through this fast, Jews everywhere can express their sorrow for the loss of Gedaliah and of the Temple, and humbly seek atonement.