https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fasts.xml/articles/holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fastsxmlarticleThe Four Minor FastsFour daylight fast days frame the Jewish year with grief and remembrance.The New Jew/index.xmlSacred Time/sections/sacred-time.xmlThe Four Minor Fasts/articles/holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fasts.xml
https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fasts
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holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fastsThe Four Minor FastsFour daylight fast days frame the Jewish year with grief and remembrance.Summary. In addition to Yom Kippur (the major Torah-commanded fast) and Tisha B'Av (the major rabbinically-commanded fast), four minor fasts are observed annually, all of them connected to the destruction of the First Temple. They are: Tzom Gedaliah (3 Tishrei, the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam, the Babylonian-appointed Jewish governor of Judah after the Temple's destruction); the 10th of Tevet (the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem); the 17th of Tammuz (the breach of Jerusalem's walls); and the Fast of Esther (13 Adar). The minor fasts run only from dawn to nightfall and have lighter restrictions than Yom Kippur or Tisha B'Av.deeperholidaysfast daysminor faststisha bav2026-07-06T02:19:03.001Z7073sacred-timeSacred Timesummary
Summary. In addition to [Yom Kippur](/glossary.xml#letter-Y) (the major [Torah](/glossary.xml#letter-T)-commanded fast) and [Tisha B'Av](/glossary.xml#letter-T) (the major rabbinically-commanded fast), four minor fasts are observed annually, three of them connected to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. They are: [Tzom Gedaliah](/glossary.xml#letter-T) (3 [Tishrei](/glossary.xml#letter-T), the assassination of [Gedaliah ben Achikam](/glossary.xml#letter-G), the Babylonian-appointed Jewish governor of Judah after the Temple's destruction); the 10th of [Tevet](/glossary.xml#letter-T) (the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem); the 17th of [Tammuz](/glossary.xml#letter-T) (the breach of Jerusalem's walls); and the [Fast of Esther](/glossary.xml#letter-T) (13 [Adar](/glossary.xml#letter-A)). The minor fasts run only from dawn to nightfall and have lighter restrictions than Yom Kippur or Tisha B'Av.
Summary. In addition to Yom Kippur (the major Torah-commanded fast) and Tisha B'Av (the major rabbinically-commanded fast), four minor fasts are observed annually, three of them connected to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. They are: Tzom Gedaliah (3 Tishrei, the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam, the Babylonian-appointed Jewish governor of Judah after the Temple's destruction); the 10th of Tevet (the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem); the 17th of Tammuz (the breach of Jerusalem's walls); and the Fast of Esther (13 Adar). The minor fasts run only from dawn to nightfall and have lighter restrictions than Yom Kippur or Tisha B'Av.heading
What Defines a 'Minor' Fast
What Defines a 'Minor' Fastparagraph
The four minor fasts are dawn-to-nightfall daylight fasts. They prohibit eating and drinking but not the other [inuyim](/glossary.xml#letter-I) (washing, anointing, marital relations, leather shoes). The synagogue service adds the [Avinu Malkeinu](/glossary.xml#letter-A) prayer and additional readings. Pregnant and nursing women, children, and the ill are exempt. The healthy adult population observes.
The four minor fasts are dawn-to-nightfall daylight fasts. They prohibit eating and drinking but not the other inuyim (washing, anointing, marital relations, leather shoes). The synagogue service adds the Avinu Malkeinu prayer and additional readings. Pregnant and nursing women, children, and the ill are exempt. The healthy adult population observes.heading
Tzom Gedaliah (3 Tishrei)
Tzom Gedaliah (3 Tishrei)paragraph
The day after [Rosh Hashanah](/glossary.xml#letter-R), commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam in 582 BCE ([Yirmiyahu 41](https://www.sefaria.org/Jeremiah.41), [Melachim II 25:25](https://www.sefaria.org/II_Kings.25.25)). Gedaliah was the Jewish governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar over the remnant of Judah after the destruction of the First Temple. His assassination by Yishmael ben Netanyah ended the limited self-government Babylon had allowed the remnant in Judah — though not Jewish political life in the Land for good. The exiles who returned rebuilt under Persian rule with only token autonomy in a subject province; full sovereignty came again only with the Hasmoneans in the second century BCE, and after Rome ended it nearly 2,000 years passed until 1948.
The day after Rosh Hashanah, commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam in 582 BCE (Yirmiyahu 41, Melachim II 25:25). Gedaliah was the Jewish governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar over the remnant of Judah after the destruction of the First Temple. His assassination by Yishmael ben Netanyah ended the limited self-government Babylon had allowed the remnant in Judah — though not Jewish political life in the Land for good. The exiles who returned rebuilt under Persian rule with only token autonomy in a subject province; full sovereignty came again only with the Hasmoneans in the second century BCE, and after Rome ended it nearly 2,000 years passed until 1948.heading
10th of Tevet
10th of Tevetparagraph
Commemorates the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem in 588 BCE ([Melachim II 25:1](https://www.sefaria.org/II_Kings.25.1); [Yirmiyahu 52:4](https://www.sefaria.org/Jeremiah.52.4)). In Israel, the 10th of Tevet is also the date of the Yom Ha[Kaddish](/glossary.xml#letter-K) HaKlali — the date set by the Chief Rabbinate for the recitation of Kaddish for Holocaust victims whose date of death is unknown. The fast and the modern commemoration overlap.
Commemorates the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem in 588 BCE (Melachim II 25:1; Yirmiyahu 52:4). In Israel, the 10th of Tevet is also the date of the Yom HaKaddish HaKlali — the date set by the Chief Rabbinate for the recitation of Kaddish for Holocaust victims whose date of death is unknown. The fast and the modern commemoration overlap.heading
17th of Tammuz
17th of Tammuzparagraph
Commemorates several catastrophes that occurred on this date: the breaking of the tablets by Moshe when he descended Sinai and saw the golden calf ([Shemot 32](https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.32)); the cessation of the daily [Tamid offering](/glossary.xml#letter-T) during the siege of Jerusalem; the breach of Jerusalem's walls by the Romans in 70 CE ([Mishnah Ta'anit 4:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Taanit.4.6); the earlier Babylonian breach at [Yirmiyahu 39:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Jeremiah.39.2) fell on the 9th of Tammuz); the burning of a Torah scroll by Apostomus; the placing of an idol in the Temple. The 17th of Tammuz begins the Three Weeks of mourning that culminate in Tisha B'Av.
Commemorates several catastrophes that occurred on this date: the breaking of the tablets by Moshe when he descended Sinai and saw the golden calf (Shemot 32); the cessation of the daily Tamid offering during the siege of Jerusalem; the breach of Jerusalem's walls by the Romans in 70 CE (Mishnah Ta'anit 4:6; the earlier Babylonian breach at Yirmiyahu 39:2 fell on the 9th of Tammuz); the burning of a Torah scroll by Apostomus; the placing of an idol in the Temple. The 17th of Tammuz begins the Three Weeks of mourning that culminate in Tisha B'Av.heading
Fast of Esther (13 Adar)
Fast of Esther (13 Adar)paragraph
The day before [Purim](/glossary.xml#letter-P), commemorating Esther's fast before approaching the king ([Esther 4:16](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther.4.16)). The Fast of Esther is unique among the minor fasts in not being connected to the destruction of the Temple; it is the only one with a happy aftermath (the joy of Purim follows the next day). Where Purim falls on Sunday, the fast is moved to the previous Thursday (since fasts are not held on Friday afternoon or [Erev Shabbat](/glossary.xml#letter-E)).
The day before Purim, commemorating Esther's fast before approaching the king (Esther 4:16). The Fast of Esther is unique among the minor fasts in not being connected to the destruction of the Temple; it is the only one with a happy aftermath (the joy of Purim follows the next day). Where Purim falls on Sunday, the fast is moved to the previous Thursday (since fasts are not held on Friday afternoon or Erev Shabbat).heading
Where Denominations Diverge
Where Denominations Divergeparagraph
[Orthodox](/glossary.xml#letter-O) observance of all four minor fasts is universal. Conservative observance is substantial, especially of the 17th of Tammuz and 10th of Tevet. [Reform](/glossary.xml#letter-R) observance of the minor fasts is variable; many Reform congregations do not observe them. The major fasts (Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av) are more widely observed across denominations than the minor fasts.
Orthodox observance of all four minor fasts is universal. Conservative observance is substantial, especially of the 17th of Tammuz and 10th of Tevet. Reform observance of the minor fasts is variable; many Reform congregations do not observe them. The major fasts (Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av) are more widely observed across denominations than the minor fasts.heading
Sources
Sourcesparagraph
[Zechariah 8:19](https://www.sefaria.org/Zechariah.8.19) — "the fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Yehudah occasions for joy and gladness."
Zechariah 8:19 — "the fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Yehudah occasions for joy and gladness."paragraph
[Mishnah, Ta'anit 2:10](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Ta'anit.2.10); [Rosh Hashanah 1:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Rosh_Hashanah.1.3).
Mishnah, Ta'anit 2:10; Rosh Hashanah 1:3.paragraph
[Talmud Bavli, Rosh Hashanah 18a–19a](https://www.sefaria.org/Rosh_Hashanah.18a).
Talmud Bavli, Rosh Hashanah 18a–19a.paragraph
[Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Ta'aniyot 5](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah,_Fasts.5).
Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Ta'aniyot 5.paragraph
[Shulchan Aruch](/glossary.xml#letter-S), [Orach Chaim 549–550, 686](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh,_Orach_Chayim.686).
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 549–550, 686.paragraph
[Jewish Fast Days: What They Are and How to Observe Them](https://exploringjudaism.org/what-are-the-jewish-fast-days-what-do-we-do/) — Rabbinical Assembly.
Jewish Fast Days: What They Are and How to Observe Them — Rabbinical Assembly.paragraph
[Jewish Fast Days FAQ - The Fast of Gedaliah, 10 Tevet, Fast of Esther, and 17 Tammuz](https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4423143/jewish/Jewish-Fast-Days-FAQ.htm) — Chabad.org.
Jewish Fast Days FAQ - The Fast of Gedaliah, 10 Tevet, Fast of Esther, and 17 Tammuz — Chabad.org.paragraph
[17th of Tammuz](https://aish.com/48943446/) — Aish.
17th of Tammuz — Aish.paragraph
[Gedaliah in the Bible - Learn 10 Facts About the Leader of Judea Killed in a Betrayal](https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5238303/jewish/Gedaliah-in-the-Bible.htm) — Chabad.org.
Gedaliah in the Bible - Learn 10 Facts About the Leader of Judea Killed in a Betrayal — Chabad.org.heading
Further Reading
Further Readingparagraph
[Yitz Greenberg](/glossary.xml#letter-R), The Jewish Way — fast days chapters.
Yitz Greenberg, The Jewish Way — fast days chapters.paragraph
Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff (Yeshiva University) lectures on the Three Weeks.
Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff (Yeshiva University) lectures on the Three Weeks.holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanahRosh Hashanah/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanah.xmlholidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippurYom Kippur/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippur.xmlholidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkotSukkot/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot.xmlholidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torahShemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah/articles/holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torah.xmlAdarאֲדָרThe twelfth month of the Jewish year, falling in late winter, in which Purim is celebrated. The Talmud teaches that when Adar arrives, joy increases.Avinu Malkeinuאָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ'Our Father, our King' — the litany of pleas recited on fast days and during the Days of Awe, each line beginning with those two words.Erev Shabbatעֶרֶב שַׁבָּתFriday — the eve of Shabbat, and by extension the busy hours of cooking and preparation before candle-lighting.Gedaliah ben Achikamגדליה בן אחיקםThe Jewish governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar over the remnant of Judah after the First Temple's destruction in 586 BCE; his assassination in 582 BCE ended the last vestige of Jewish self-rule in the land for nearly 2,500 years and is mourned on the fast of Tzom Gedaliah.holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fastsKaddishקַדִּישׁThe Aramaic prayer sanctifying God's name that punctuates every Jewish service; it exists in several forms — including the Mourner's Kaddish — and requires a minyan of ten.going-deeper-deeper-prayers-kaddishOrthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism holds Halacha as fully binding and the Shulchan Aruch as its canonical code; it spans Haredi and Hasidic communities as well as Modern Orthodoxy, and is the starting point from which this Field Guide is written, even as it engages seriously with other denominations.how-to-use-this-field-guidePurimפּוּרִיםThe joyous festival celebrating the rescue of Persian Jewry recounted in the book of Esther, observed with the Megillah reading, gifts of food, gifts to the poor, and a festive meal.holidays-rabbinic-festivals-purimRabbi Yitz GreenbergRabbi Irving 'Yitz' Greenberg (b. 1933), a Modern Orthodox rabbi and Holocaust theologian known for the principle that no Jewish theological statement should be made that would not be credible in the presence of burning children; author of The Jewish Way.holidays-modern-observances-yom-hashoahReform JudaismReform Judaism treats Halacha as a source of values and meaning rather than binding law, emphasizing individual autonomy, ethical monotheism, and tikkun olam; it was the first movement to fully recognize patrilineal descent and ordain women as rabbis.how-to-use-this-field-guideRosh Hashanahרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָהThe Jewish New Year, observed on the 1st and 2nd of Tishrei with the sounding of the shofar; it opens the Ten Days of Repentance that culminate in Yom Kippur.holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanahShulchan Aruchשולחן ערוךLiterally 'the set table' — the authoritative 16th-century code of Jewish law by Rabbi Yosef Karo, printed with the Ashkenazi glosses of Rabbi Moshe Isserles. It remains the baseline reference for halachic practice.Ta'anit Estherתענית אסתרThe Fast of Esther, observed from dawn to nightfall on the day before Purim, recalling the fasting of Esther and the Jews of Persia before she approached the king.holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fastsTamidתמידThe 'perpetual' daily offering brought in the Temple every morning and afternoon; the daily prayer services correspond in part to it.TammuzתמוזThe fourth month of the Jewish calendar, in midsummer; the fast of the 17th of Tammuz mourns the breach of Jerusalem's walls.TevetטבתThe tenth month of the Jewish calendar, in midwinter; Hanukkah ends in early Tevet, and the fast of the 10th of Tevet recalls the siege of Jerusalem.Tisha B'Avתשעה באבThe 9th of Av — the year's major day of mourning, a full fast commemorating the destruction of both Temples and other catastrophes; Eichah (Lamentations) is read by candlelight.holidays-fasts-tisha-bavTishreiתשריThe autumn month that opens the Jewish year, dense with holy days: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah.TorahתּוֹרָהThe Five Books of Moses — the scroll at the center of Jewish life — and, more broadly, the whole of Jewish teaching. 'Learning Torah' can mean anything from Chumash to Talmud.Tzom Gedaliahצום גדליהThe Fast of Gedaliah, observed the day after Rosh Hashanah, mourning the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam, the governor of Judah after the First Temple's destruction.holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fastsYom Kippurיום כיפורThe Day of Atonement — the holiest day of the Jewish year, a 25-hour fast devoted to prayer, confession, and repair of one's relationships with God and with other people.holidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippurinuyimעִנּוּיִיםThe five "afflictions" of Yom Kippur — abstaining from eating and drinking, washing, anointing, leather shoes, and marital relations.parentSacred Time/sections/sacred-time.xmlrelatedRosh Hashanah/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanah.xmlrelatedYom Kippur/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippur.xmlrelatedSukkot/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot.xmlrelatedShemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah/articles/holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torah.xml