Rabbi Blog

Shavua tov,

Asarah B’Tevet takes place this coming Friday. This day originally marks the siege around Yerushalayim that led up to the destruction of the first Beis Hamikdash. It additionally commemorates the death of Ezra, a leader who is seen as the second greatest leader/teacher after Moshe; he also led the transition from Torah she-bichtav (written Torah) to Torah she-be’al peh (oral Torah/rabbinic tradition). Finally, this day commemorates the forced translation of the Torah into Greek, which resulted in the Torah losing its status as unique Jewish wisdom and guidance. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel had also declared this as a communal day of Kaddish for those who were murdered in the Shoah.

The fast begins at 5:49 AM. The fast ends at 5:08 PM (some ar machmir to end at 5:19).

• Please note that even once Shabbos begins, the fast continues until this time.
  
• As with regular Shabboses, one should not eat or drink anything without making kiddush.
  
• Essentially, one should make kiddush no earlier than 5:08 PM, and after making kiddush, one may eat regularly.
• I will not speak between Kabbolas Shabbos and Maariv in order to enable people to get home quicker to make kiddush.
  

While we often delay fasts that fall on Shabbos, the fast of Asarah B’Teves would take place even if it were to fall on Shabbos. Interestingly, while halachically that would be possible, it never happens based on the way the calendar is calculated. In this sense, there is nothing problematic about fasting partially into Shabbos. Additionally, the Rama rules in Shulchan Aruch that when it comes to public fast days that fall on Friday, they must be completed through Tzeis Ha-Kochavim.
 
Shacharis on Friday morning will be at 6:30 AM. Those davening at home may include selichos but should say the 13 middos with Torah trope and include the entirety of the pesukim (Shemos 34:6-7). One may say Avinu Malkeinu even if davening alone.

We will daven mincha in shul at 4:00 PM (note this is 15 minutes before candle lighting in order to accommodate Torah reading/haftarah).

• We do not say neither Avinu Malkeinu nor Tachanun at mincha.
  
• Those davening at home do not necessarily need to daven early, since there is no Torah reading/haftarah at home.
  
• Aneinu should be added to Shomeia Tefillah.

We should share in besoros tovos.

Kol tuv,

Judah Kerbel
Rabbi, Queens Jewish Center