Fast of Gedalia Begins Tomorrow, Marking Ancient Tragedy

The Fast of Gedalia, also known as the "Seventh Fast," will be observed tomorrow, Tuesday. This fast commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah ben Ahikam by Ishmael ben Natan, an event that led to the end of Jewish self-rule during the First Temple period. It is considered one of the four "fasts of destruction" and symbolizes the final stage of the exile of the remnant left in the land after the First Temple's destruction.

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

The fast will begin at different times across major Israeli cities. In Tel Aviv, the fast commences at 4:52 AM, and ends at 7:06 PM. In Jerusalem, it begins at 4:51 AM and concludes at 7:13 PM. In Haifa, the fast starts at 4:50 AM and ends at 7:05 PM. In Beersheba, it begins at 4:50 AM and concludes at 7:05 PM.