Fast of Gedaliah
September 14 · Level 1 · #2185 of 2238
The Fast of Gedaliah remembers the assassination of Gedaliah ben Ahikam, governor of Judah after the destruction of the First Temple. His death shattered hopes for the Jewish community that had remained in the land.
How it is celebrated: observant Jews abstain from food and drink from dawn until nightfall. Synagogue services include special prayers and Torah readings, with time for repentance and reflection on responsibility toward others.
The fast always falls within the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. When its usual date lands on the Sabbath, it moves to Sunday.