The Fast of the Tenth of Teves vol.3, no. 35
The fast of the Tenth of Teves begins at daybreak.
Maimonides tells us that the purpose of a fast day is not to wallow in self affliction, but rather to stir our hearts towards the path of repentance, leading us to improve our ways. By recalling the transgressions which allowed the terrible events of the past to take place, we set ourselves on the path to rectify the errors of our forefathers.
All adults are obligated to fast on the Tenth of Teves. However, pregnant or nursing
women who would be pained by the fast are exempt. A person who is ill is also
exempt, and he is prohibited from fasting. One who is exempt from fasting should not
indulge in delectables. Rather he should only eat according to his immediate
need. Children, who are not obligated to fast, should be trained to be sensitive
towards the mood of the day and eat only simple foods according to their needs.
One is permitted to wash, annoint oneself, and wear leather
shoes on this fast day.
In the morning service the chazan adds the blessing Aneinu between the blessings of Re’ei and Refaeinu. In the afternoon service each individual who is fasting adds Aneinu in the blessing Shma Kolleinu. One need not repeat the Sh’moneh Esreh if he forgot to add Aneinu. In the afternoon service the blessing Sim Shalom is said in place of Shalom Rav.
In the morning and afternoon service we read the Torah portion beginning Vaichal Moshe (Exodus 32;11-14; 34:1-10). In the afternoon service the portion from Isaiah (55:6-56:8) is recited as the Haftarah.
When the fast falls out on erev Shabbos, we do not say Tachanun at Minchah. One may not recite kiddush until the fast is finished at nightfall.
