Tenth of Tevet 2021
The Tenth of Tevet commemorates the beginning of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem that led to the destruction of the First Temple (II Kings 25:1). It is the first fast of the Hebrew year, and since 1951 it also serves as the general Kaddish day (Yom HaKaddish HaKlali) for those whose date of death is unknown.
Halachic Framework
Tenth of Tevet is a rabbinic fast day. Core rules:
- Duration: The fast runs from dawn (alot haShachar) to nightfall (tzait haKochavim) — a shorter span than Yom Kippur's sunset-to-nightfall fast.
- Exemptions: The ill, pregnant and nursing women, and young children are exempt. Anyone whose health would be at risk must not fast.
- Liturgy: The Amidah includes the fast-day blessing "Aneinu," and Slichot (penitential prayers) are added. Tachanun is not said on the fast itself but is omitted afterward as well.
Customs & Observances
- Fast from dawn until nightfall — observed even when it falls on a Friday
- Reciting Selichot
- General Kaddish and memorial prayers for Holocaust victims with unknown yahrzeit dates
Greetings & Blessings for Tenth of Tevet
Traditional greetings used before, during, and after Tenth of Tevet:
- Tzom Kal — "An easy fast"
בעברית:
- צום קל
About Tenth of Tevet
The Tenth of Tevet commemorates the beginning of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem that led to the destruction of the First Temple (II Kings 25:1). It is the first fast of the Hebrew year, and since 1951 it also serves as the general Kaddish day (Yom HaKaddish HaKlali) for those whose date of death is unknown.
Also known as: Asara B'Tevet, Asarah B'Tevet
Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the date shown and conclude at nightfall (when three medium stars are visible) on the final day. In the Diaspora, major Torah festivals are observed for two days (Yom Tov Sheni shel Galuyot), while in Israel they are observed for one day.
Tenth of Tevet in Upcoming Years
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2023 | January 3, 2023 |
| 2025 | January 10, 2025 |