Fast of Gedalia to Be Observed September 14, Marking Ancient Tragedy

The Fast of Gedalia, a traditional Jewish observance, will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026, corresponding to the 3rd of Tishrei in the Hebrew year 5787. The fast begins at dawn and concludes at nightfall.

This fast is observed in memory of the assassination of Gedaliah ben Ahikam, a significant figure in Jewish history following the destruction of the First Temple. According to tradition, Gedaliah was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, to govern the remaining Jewish population in Judea. His murder by Ishmael ben Nethaniah is recounted in the Book of Kings II, chapter 25.

Jewish tradition holds that the death of righteous individuals is as grievous as the destruction of the Temple itself. While there is some debate within Jewish scholarship regarding the exact date of Gedaliah's assassination, whether it was the 1st or 3rd of Tishrei, the fast is observed on the 3rd of Tishrei. This date was chosen even by those who believe he was killed earlier, out of respect for the sanctity of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which falls on the 1st and 2nd of Tishrei.

The Fast of Gedalia was instituted by the Sages of Israel in the years after the Babylonian exile, reflecting the trauma of the period. It is one of four fast days established to commemorate significant events in Jewish national history, alongside the Fast of Tevet (10th of Tevet), the Fast of Tammuz (17th of Tammuz), and Tisha B'Av (9th of Av).

Specific fasting times for the Fast of Gedalia in 5787 have been provided for various cities across Israel, indicating the precise start and end times of the observance.