Fast of Gedalia Observed Annually on Third of Tishrei

The Fast of Gedalia, also known as the "Seventh Fast," is observed on the third day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. This fast commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah ben Ahikam by Ishmael ben Netanyahu, an event that led to the end of Jewish autonomy during the First Temple period. It is considered one of the four fasts of destruction, marking the final stage of the exile of the remnant that remained in the land after the destruction of the First Temple.

There are differing views on the exact date of the assassination. Some traditions hold that the murder occurred on Rosh Hashanah, with the fast subsequently postponed to the third of Tishrei. Others believe the assassination took place precisely on the third of Tishrei.

For the year 2026, the fast begins at approximately 4:52 AM in Tel Aviv, 4:51 AM in Jerusalem, 4:50 AM in Haifa, and 4:50 AM in Beersheba. The fast concludes at approximately 7:06 PM in Tel Aviv, 7:13 PM in Jerusalem, 7:05 PM in Haifa, and 7:05 PM in Beersheba.