TZOM GEDALIAH
צום גדליה« When a righteous man is lost, an entire people is shaken. »
Next occurrenceFrom the evening of Sunday 3 October 2027 until Monday 4 October 2027 · In 341 days
The feast begins the evening before, at sunset.
Calendar: choose your city to determine the Israel or Diaspora context.
The essentials
In brief
The Fast of Gedaliah, on the 3rd of Tishri, immediately follows Rosh Hashana.
It recalls the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam, appointed to govern in the Land of Israel after the destruction of the First Temple.
It is a minor fast: from dawn until nightfall.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TZOM GEDALIAH ↓
WHAT THIS DAY REMEMBERS
After the destruction of the First Temple, Gedaliah ben Achikam was appointed to govern those who remained in the Land of Israel.
His assassination, reported in the texts, ended that organised presence and completed the dispersion.
References: Kings II 25:22-26; Jeremiah 41.
WHY THIS DAY IS A FAST
Tradition does not retain only a death: it retains the loss of a possibility of rebuilding.
This fast is among the fasts mentioned by the prophets in connection with the destruction.
Reference: Zechariah 8:19.
IN THE HEART OF THE DAYS OF TESHUVA
This fast falls in the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
The proximity speaks for itself: what divides from within can destroy what no enemy had destroyed.
Editorial references: Kings II 25:22-26 · Jeremiah 41 · Zechariah 8:19 · Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 549
Festival dates
From the evening of Sunday 3 October 2027 until Monday 4 October 2027
ג׳ תִּשְׁרֵי תשפ״ח
The feast begins the evening before, at sunset.
Key points
- The fast takes place on the 3rd of Tishri, the day after Rosh Hashana.
- It recalls the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam.
- It is a minor fast, from dawn until nightfall.
- It falls in the very heart of the days of Teshuva.
PRACTICAL INFO — THIS OCCURRENCE
Jerusalem
Times for this occurrence, calculated for Jerusalem (Israel) in its own time zone.
Times are unavailable for this date and city.
For any personal situation or halachic question, seek guidance from your Rabbi.
What this feast teaches us
« Internal division can cost a people more than an outside enemy. »
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