Tzom Gedalia
Introduction
The day following Rosh Hashanah, the third of Tishrei, is observed as the public fast of Tzom Gedalia. This fast commemorates the assassination of Gedalia ben Achikam, who led the remaining Jewish community in Eretz Yisrael following the destruction of the First Beis Hamikdash. His murder brought about further bloodshed, dispersion, and the collapse of the remaining Jewish settlement.
Like every public fast, Tzom Gedalia is not intended merely as a day on which eating and drinking are prohibited. Its central purpose is to awaken the heart to Teshuvah. A person should contemplate the tragedies brought about by sin, examine his conduct, and resolve to improve. One should also be especially careful to avoid anger, excessive conversation, laughter, and other behavior inconsistent with the seriousness of the day.
About This Summary
The following chapter is a practical summary of the laws and customs of Tzom Gedalia. Due to space limitations, many details, alternative opinions, footnotes, source references, and exceptional cases have been omitted. For the complete treatment of these laws, including all opinions, sources, citations, explanations, and practical applications, please see our Sefer on Rosh Hashanah in the chapter dealing with Tzom Gedalia, or visit the Tzom Gedalia section of ShulchanAruchHarav.com.
- The Fast of Tzom Gedalia
- The third of Tishrei is observed as a public fast known as Tzom Gedalia. Scripture refers to it as the “fast of the seventh month,” since Tishrei is the seventh month when counting from Nissan.
- The fast was established because Gedalia ben Achikam, the leader of the Jewish people remaining in Eretz Yisrael after the destruction of the First Beis Hamikdash, was assassinated. His murder led to further destruction, bloodshed, and the dispersion of the surviving Jewish community.
- The classical sources imply that Gedalia was killed on the third of Tishrei. Some Rishonim, however, understand that the assassination occurred on Rosh Hashanah itself and that the fast was postponed until after the festival.
- The Purpose of the Fast
The purpose of a fast day is not merely to refrain from eating and drinking. Rather, the physical fasting is intended to awaken a person to repentance.
A person should reflect upon the tragedies that occurred because of the sins of previous generations and recognize that similar conduct must be corrected in the present. One should use the day for:
- Teshuvah
- Prayer
- Torah study
- Tzedakah
- Personal introspection
- Improvement in one’s relationships with others
A fast that passes without reflection and Teshuvah is missing its principal objective.
- Avoiding Anger and Frivolity
- One must be especially careful to avoid anger on a fast day.
- The physical discomfort of fasting can make a person more impatient than usual. This is precisely when greater self-control is required. Becoming angry while fasting undermines the spiritual purpose of the day.
- One should likewise minimize unnecessary conversation and avoid excessive laughter or frivolous behavior. The day should be treated seriously, with an awareness of the tragedy being commemorated.
- When Does the Fast Begin?
- Tzom Gedalia begins at Alos Hashachar on the morning of the third of Tishrei.
- This is approximately two fluctuating halachic hours before sunrise. The precise time varies according to the date and location and should be checked on a reliable halachic calendar.
- A person who remained awake throughout the night may continue eating and drinking only until Alos Hashachar. Once Alos arrives, the fast begins.
- Eating After Sleeping Before Alos
- If a person went to sleep and then awakened before Alos Hashachar, the person may not resume eating unless a stipulation was made before going to sleep that eating would continue upon awakening.
- Drinking is more lenient. A person who wakes before Alos may drink even if no stipulation was made. Nevertheless, it is proper to stipulate before sleeping when planning to wake and drink.
- If one merely dozed and did not enter a settled sleep, it is considered as though the person did not go to sleep, and eating may continue until Alos.
Practical Advice
- A person planning to wake before Alos for food or drink should state before going to sleep:
- “I do not accept the fast upon myself through sleeping, and I intend to eat or drink again before Alos Hashachar.”
- Eating Extra Before the Fast
- One should not deliberately eat far more than usual before a fast merely to avoid experiencing hunger.
- Doing so conflicts with the purpose of the fast, which includes experiencing a measure of physical deprivation.
- A person who is naturally weak and requires additional food to maintain health and strength may eat more before the fast when necessary.
- Pregnant Women
- Pregnant women are exempt from fasting.
- Earlier sources record a custom for pregnant and nursing women to fast unless they experienced considerable pain or weakness. Practically, the widespread custom today is for pregnant women not to fast, as pregnancy itself is generally associated with weakness.
- A pregnant woman who is exempt does not have to make up the fast at a later date.
- The detailed halachic status can depend upon the stage of pregnancy and the woman’s physical condition. During the early stage of pregnancy, particularly before the forty-first day, individual circumstances may require guidance from a Rav and medical professional.
- Nursing Women
- Nursing women are exempt from fasting.
- An exempt nursing woman is not required to make up the fast later.
- Women After Childbirth
- A woman within thirty days of childbirth is exempt from fasting according to all opinions.
- She is not required to fast even if she presently feels relatively well, and she does not have to make up the fast after the thirty-day period.
- A Sick Person
- A person who is ill is exempt from fasting.
- This exemption does not apply only to life-threatening illness. A person who is genuinely sick and whose condition is negatively affected by fasting is not required to fast.
- An elderly or generally weak person should not fast when a doctor determines that fasting would be detrimental to health. A person exempt because of illness does not have to make up the fast after recovering.
- A person who is not ill but merely experiences ordinary hunger, discomfort, or pain must generally continue fasting.
- Medication
- A person who requires medication should not independently discontinue or alter the prescribed treatment because of the fast.
- The practical method of taking medication, and whether food or liquid may be required, depends upon the medical need and the applicable halachic details. A Rav and qualified medical professional should be consulted when necessary.
- Traveling on the Fast
- A healthy person must fast even when traveling.
- The inconvenience associated with travel does not ordinarily exempt a person from a public fast.
- Children
- Boys below Bar Mitzvah and girls below Bas Mitzvah are not obligated to fast.
- There is no requirement to train children to fast for a specific number of hours on the four Rabbinic fasts.
- Children should nevertheless be taught about the meaning of the day in an age-appropriate manner. They should not be encouraged to treat the day as festive or be given unnecessary sweets and delicacies. However, they may eat ordinary foods as needed.
- All boys and girls who have reached Bar or Bas Mitzvah are obligated to fast unless a valid exemption applies.
- Selichos During Shacharis
The Chabad custom is to recite the special fast-day Selichos within Tachanun following the repetition of Shemoneh Esrei at Shacharis.
Selichos is customarily recited while standing. Standing is particularly emphasized during:
- The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
- Shema Koleinu
- Other passages for which standing is customary
According to Chabad custom, Ashamnu is omitted from the Selichos when Selichos is incorporated into Shacharis. Ashamnu has already been recited in the regular Tachanun preceding Selichos.
- Concentration During Selichos
- Selichos must be recited slowly and with concentration.
- It is preferable to recite a smaller portion with genuine Kavanah than to rush through a larger amount without understanding or feeling.
- The closing portions of Selichos should not be hurried merely to finish Davening more quickly. The purpose of Selichos is to awaken mercy and Teshuvah, which requires attention to the words being recited.
- The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
- The Thirteen Attributes must be recited slowly, carefully, aloud, and with concentration.
- They may only be recited together with a Minyan. Therefore, if a person is behind the congregation and the Minyan reaches the Thirteen Attributes, the person should stop at a point where interruption is permitted and recite them together with the congregation.
- A person who reaches the Thirteen Attributes after the Minyan has already completed them may not recite them in the ordinary manner as a prayer.
- Selichos Without a Minyan
Selichos may be recited without a Minyan, but certain passages must be omitted.
One praying alone omits:
- The Thirteen Attributes beginning with Vayaavor
- The Aramaic portions of Selichos
According to Chabad custom, the Thirteen Attributes are not recited privately even with the Torah-reading melody.
The verse Uzechor Hayom Bris Shlosh Esrei is not omitted and may be recited even without a Minyan.
- Shema Koleinu
- The custom is to open the Aron for Shema Koleinu and to stand while it is recited.
- The passage should be said with concentration and heartfelt supplication, in keeping with the purpose of the fast.
- Avinu Malkeinu
- Avinu Malkeinu is recited during Shacharis after Selichos and before Veanachnu Lo Neida.
- After completing Avinu Malkeinu, the congregation proceeds directly to Veanachnu Lo Neida. The shorter Avinu Malkeinu passage ordinarily recited immediately before Veanachnu Lo Neida is omitted in this instance.
- Avinu Malkeinu is also recited during Mincha.
- Torah Reading at Shacharis
- The Torah portion of Vayechal is read during Shacharis.
- The special reading reflects the themes of Moshe’s prayer, Divine mercy, forgiveness, and the covenant of the Thirteen Attributes.
- The applicable number of people who must be fasting for the public Torah reading and the recitation of the fast-day additions should be verified when some members of the Minyan are not fasting.
- Aneinu in the Individual Shemoneh Esrei
- An individual recites Aneinu during the silent Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha.
- It is inserted into the blessing of Shomeia Tefillah immediately before the words Ki Atah Shomeia.
- The individual does not recite Aneinu during the silent Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis or Maariv.
- Aneinu in the Chazan’s Repetition
- During the repetition of Shemoneh Esrei at both Shacharis and Mincha, the Chazan recites Aneinu as an independent blessing.
- It is inserted between the blessings of Goel Yisrael and Refaeinu.
During the Chazan’s own silent Shemoneh Esrei:
- Aneinu is omitted at Shacharis.
- Aneinu is recited within Shomeia Tefillah at Mincha.
- If Aneinu Was Forgotten
- A person who forgot Aneinu in Shomeia Tefillah has nevertheless fulfilled the obligation of Shemoneh Esrei.
- If the omission is remembered before completing Shemoneh Esrei, Aneinu should be recited in Elokai Netzor before the second Yihyu Leratzon.
- Even if the omission is remembered before Ritzei, the person does not return to Shomeia Tefillah. Rather, the person continues normally and recites Aneinu in Elokai Netzor.
- If Aneinu was remembered only after Shemoneh Esrei was completed, Shemoneh Esrei is not repeated.
- Tzedakah Before Mincha
- Before Mincha one should give the monetary value of the food not eaten due to the fast to Tzedakah. This is known as Igara DeTaanisa, the “reward” or expenditure of the fast.
- Giving Tzedakah emphasizes that fasting should lead to positive action and not remain limited to physical deprivation.
- Torah Reading at Mincha
- The Torah portion of Vayechal is also read during Mincha.
- The reading is followed by the special fast-day Haftorah.
- After the Haftorah, Yehalelu is recited and the Torah is returned to the Aron. Half Kaddish is then recited. In most years this was the order followed by the Rebbe, although there were occasions on which Kaddish began immediately after the Haftorah.
- Birchas Kohanim at Mincha
- During the repetition of Mincha, the Chazan recites the passage of Birchas Kohanim.
- In communities where actual Nesias Kapayim is not performed daily, the Chazan recites Elokeinu Velokei Avoseinu.
- Communities that perform Nesias Kapayim daily may do so during Mincha of a fast day when Mincha is recited sufficiently close to sunset. When Mincha is prayed earlier, actual Nesias Kapayim is not performed, although the Chazan still recites the corresponding passage.
- Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu at Mincha
- Tachanun is recited at Mincha.
- Avinu Malkeinu is likewise recited as part of the fast-day prayers, subject to the general exceptions that apply when Tachanun or Avinu Malkeinu is omitted.
- Rinsing the Mouth
- One should not ordinarily rinse the mouth on a public fast day.
- If refraining from rinsing causes significant discomfort, there is room for leniency. Care must be taken not to swallow any water.
- Brushing Teeth and Using Mouthwash
- A person who experiences pain or significant discomfort from not brushing may brush the teeth carefully.
- Mouthwash may likewise be used when refraining from it would cause significant discomfort.
- In both cases, care must be taken not to swallow liquid.
- Bathing
- Some are stringent to avoid bathing on all four public fasts, although from the letter of the law it is allowed.
- The primary prohibition of Tzom Gedalia concerns eating and drinking. Nevertheless, those who follow the additional custom of avoiding bathing should maintain their custom.
- Bathing required for cleanliness, health, or another genuine need should be distinguished from bathing purely for pleasure.
- Music and Dancing
- Some are accustomed to avoid music and dancing on Tzom Gedalia.
- This reflects the mournful and introspective character of the fast. Each individual should follow the applicable family or communal custom.
Quick Reference Table
| Topic | Practical ruling |
| Date of fast | Third of Tishrei |
| Beginning of fast | Alos Hashachar |
| End of fast | Nightfall |
| Ate before Alos after sleeping | Requires a prior stipulation |
| Drinking before Alos after sleeping | Permitted, although a stipulation is preferred |
| Pregnant woman | Generally exempt under present custom |
| Nursing woman | Exempt when weak or affected by fasting |
| Within thirty days of childbirth | Exempt |
| Sick person | Exempt |
| Healthy traveler | Must fast |
| Children | Exempt until Bar or Bas Mitzvah |
| Selichos | Recited during Tachanun at Shacharis |
| Thirteen Attributes | Only together with a Minyan |
| Selichos alone | Omit Thirteen Attributes and Aramaic passages |
| Shacharis Torah reading | Vayechal |
| Aneinu for an individual | In Shomeia Tefillah at Mincha |
| Aneinu for Chazan | Separate blessing at Shacharis and Mincha repetitions |
| Forgot Aneinu | Do not repeat Shemoneh Esrei |
| Tzedakah | Give before Mincha |
| Mincha Torah reading | Vayechal and Haftorah |
| Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu | Recited at Mincha |
| Brushing teeth | Permitted when necessary due to discomfort |
| Music and dancing | Some are stringent to avoid |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Waking Before Alos
A person plans to wake at 4:00 a.m. to eat before the fast. Before going to sleep, the person should explicitly stipulate that eating will resume upon awakening.
Example 2: A Pregnant Woman
A pregnant woman is uncertain whether fasting is appropriate in her individual situation. She should receive medical and halachic guidance rather than beginning the fast without clarification.
Example 3: A Child Wants to Fast
A ten-year-old child wants to fast until midday. There is no requirement to train the child to fast. The child should eat normally but should not be given unnecessary sweets in honor of the day.
Example 4: Missing the Thirteen Attributes
A person praying slowly hears the Minyan beginning the Thirteen Attributes. If presently at a point where interruption is permitted, the person should stop and recite the Attributes together with the congregation.
Example 5: Selichos at Home
A person cannot attend a Minyan and recites Selichos privately. The Thirteen Attributes and the Aramaic passages are omitted.
Example 6: Forgetting Aneinu
A person completes Shomeia Tefillah at Mincha and then remembers that Aneinu was omitted. The person continues Shemoneh Esrei and recites Aneinu in Elokai Netzor before the second Yihyu Leratzon.
Example 7: Brushing Teeth
A person experiences considerable discomfort without brushing. The person may brush carefully while ensuring that no water or toothpaste is swallowed.