Ezekiel 24 describes the events of the tenth month of the Jewish year (i.e. Teves) during the first Temple period when the Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem. The prophet twice refers to the events that happened be’etzem hayom hazeh “that very day." R’ David Abudraham (c. 1340) explains that this staunch description of the day ties this fast day powerfully to its calendar date. So much so, that even if the 10th of Teves were Shabbos, we would still fast. Our automated calendar ensures this fast never falls on Shabbos; however, it can fall on Friday, as it does this year (1/10/25). Per Abudraham’s explanation, we will fast on Friday, erev Shabbos.
The fast begins at 5:51 AM.
The only prohibition during the day is eating and drinking. One may wash, brush teeth, shower, and do all necessary preparations for Shabbat. One may swallow the minimal amount of water necessary to take daily medications.
We recite Selichos and Avinu Malkeinu at Shacharis (6:15 AM) and read the Torah portion for a fast day. (Tallis and Tefillin will be put on after the first kaddish at 6:20 AM).
Please note the earlier Mincha – 4:10 PM – as it will include the fast day leining and haftarah. While we add aneinu during the amida, we do not recite Tachanun or Avinu Malkeinu.
Kabbolas Shabos and Maariv will be as usual, albeit slightly expedited (no D'var Halacha).
Please note that though we have already accepted Shabbos, the fast does not end until 5:18 PM, at which time one should recite kiddush and eat a regular Shabbos meal.
Historically, the tenth of Teves served as an auspicious time to remember those Jews who were martyred by the enemies of our people. R’ Yitzchak Halevi Herzog, the first chief rabbi of the State of Israel, encouraged those who did not know when their relatives passed during the Holocaust to observe the Yahrzeit and recite Kaddish on this fast day. In fact, he wanted to expand the fast to a full 24 hours to commemorate the Shoah. We should all use this fast day to mourn our brothers and sisters martyred more recently and throughout history.
For more information on Asara B'Teves, see Rabbi Berel Wein's short explanation: https://aish.com/48960111/ (My thanks to Rabbi Elie Weissman of Young Israel of Plainview for much of the content of this email.)
