Fast of Gedaliah 2025
The Fast of Gedaliah is observed on the 3rd of Tishrei, the day after Rosh Hashanah. It commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam, the Jewish governor of Judah appointed after the destruction of the First Temple — an event that led to the final dispersal of the remaining Jewish community (II Kings 25).
Halachic Framework
Fast of Gedaliah 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
- Postponed to the following Thursday when it falls on Shabbat
- Reciting Selichot
Greetings & Blessings for Fast of Gedaliah
Traditional greetings used before, during, and after Fast of Gedaliah:
- Tzom Kal — "An easy fast"
בעברית:
- צום קל
About Fast of Gedaliah
The Fast of Gedaliah is observed on the 3rd of Tishrei, the day after Rosh Hashanah. It commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam, the Jewish governor of Judah appointed after the destruction of the First Temple — an event that led to the final dispersal of the remaining Jewish community (II Kings 25).
Also known as: Tzom Gedaliah
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.
Fast of Gedaliah in Upcoming Years
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | September 14, 2026 |
| 2027 | October 4, 2027 |
| 2028 | September 24, 2028 |
| 2029 | September 12, 2029 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Fast of Gedaliah 2025?
Fast of Gedaliah 2025 begins at sunset on September 25, 2025 (Hebrew date: 3 Tishrei 5786). All Jewish holidays begin at sunset the evening before the date listed.
What is Fast of Gedaliah?
The Fast of Gedaliah is observed on the 3rd of Tishrei, the day after Rosh Hashanah. It commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam, the Jewish governor of Judah appointed after the destruction of the First Temple — an event that led to the final dispersal of the remaining Jewish community (II Kings 25).
How are Fast of Gedaliah dates determined?
Fast of Gedaliah falls on a fixed date in the Hebrew (lunisolar) calendar each year. Because the Hebrew calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar, the corresponding Gregorian date shifts annually. The dates on this page are calculated algorithmically — no manual updates needed.
Is Fast of Gedaliah a fast day?
Yes, Fast of Gedaliah is a fast day. The fast includes abstention from food and drink from dawn (or sunset the evening before) until nightfall the following evening.