Tomorrow is the tenth day of the month of Tevet, which includes a minor fast observed to commemorate the siege of Jerusalem in 588 BCE, the ninth year of the reign of King Zedekiah. Traditionally, Jews fast from sunrise to sunset on this day.
According to the second book of Kings, on the tenth day of the tenth month (though Tevet is now considered the fourth month in the Hebrew calendar, the Biblical New Year began on the first of Nisan), Nebuchadnezzar II, the second Neo-Babylonian emperor, began the siege of Jerusalem. Eighteen months later, on the 17th of Tammuz, at the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah’s reign (586 BCE), Babylonian forces broke through the city walls. More than six hundred years later, the Romans would similarly break through the walls of Jerusalem on the 17th of Tammuz (another fast day). Then, three weeks later, on the 9th of Av (Tisha B’Av, yet another fast day), the Temple was destroyed.
As we continue to watch the terrifying, ongoing siege of flames against our beautiful city, we already know that our day of mourning will arrive—a day for examining the rubble of homes, schools, and temples destroyed, for treating those wounded defending our city, and for burying those who give their lives in its defense. But, as the siege continues, we may not yet turn to mourning. There is too much yet to be done in support of the displaced and in support of those fighting valiantly to protect us.
And so, we pray: Source of Blessing, send your blessing of protection to our city and our community. Bring this siege to an end. Shield the firefighters and first responders from harm. Deliver them to their families unscathed. Shower those displaced by the flames with Your nurture and care. Bring them quickly to safety and to a sense of home. And may we soon know calm and peace.
—Rabbi Josh Knobel