On what day of the month is Tzom Gedalyah?
When it falls on Shabbos when do we fast?
How many fast days and what are they that are connected to the destruction of the Beis Hamikdsash?
What happened on Tzom Gedalyah?
Where and how is this fast referred to in the נביאים?
What was the activities that גדליה was in charge of?
Who was the one who headed the opposition against him and why?
Where was Gedalyah sitting and what was he doing when he was murdered?
His death is considered to be the end of the destruction of the first Beis Hamidkdash, Why?
What are and who are the authors of the two opinions when Gedalyah was murdered?
Why according to all opinions we do it on the 3rd of the month?
The fast begins at?
What Special prayers to we add on Tzom Gedalyah?
What else do we add both by Schacharis and Minchah?
1. Overview and Timing of Tzom Gedaliah
Tzom Gedaliah is a fast day observed on the third day of Tishrei, known as Gimel Tishrei—the day immediately following Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah itself is unique in that, both in Eretz Yisroel and in the Diaspora, it is celebrated for two days, even though according to the Torah it is only one day. Tzom Gedaliah always falls on the third of Tishrei unless that date is Shabbos, in which case the fast is postponed to the next day.2. The Four Fast Days Connected to the Churban
Tzom Gedaliah is one of four fast days established in connection with the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash—the Holy Temple. The other three are: Asarah b’Teves (10th of Teves), marking when Jerusalem was placed under siege; Shiva Asar b’Tammuz (17th of Tammuz), commemorating when the walls of Jerusalem were breached; and Tisha B’Av (9th of Av), when the Beis Hamikdash was set aflame. These four fasts are all tied to stages in the destruction and loss experienced by Klal Yisroel during that period.3. The Story Behind Tzom Gedaliah
The specific reason for this fast is the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam. After the Babylonians conquered Yehudah and destroyed the first Beis Hamikdash, most Jews—especially those of higher status—were exiled to Bavel. However, some poor Jews remained in Eretz Yisroel to tend vineyards and olive groves (kermim—vineyards, yogrim—olive workers). Nebuchadnezzar II appointed Gedaliah ben Achikam as governor over these remaining Jews. Gedaliah gathered survivors and encouraged them to settle and cultivate the land, receiving support from the prophet Yirmeyahu who joined him in this mission. Unfortunately, as described in Sefer Yirmeyahu (chapter 41) and Melachim II (25:22–26), Gedaliah was murdered by a group led by Yishmael ben Nesanya, a descendant of Jewish royalty. Despite warnings from his general Yoichanan ben Koerach about Yishmael’s intentions—and suggestions for preemptive action—Gedaliah refused to believe them or act against Yishmael.4. The Assassination and Its Aftermath
Gedaliah was killed while hosting a feast for Yishmael ben Nesanya and his men at Mitzpah (possibly today’s Nabi Samuel). Along with him, his supporters and Babylonian soldiers stationed there were also murdered. This plot was supported by Baalis, king of Ammon. The murder marked not just a personal tragedy but also ended any remaining Jewish autonomy in Eretz Yisroel after the Churban Bayis Rishon. Following this event, even those poor Jews left under Gedaliah’s governance scattered—some fleeing to Egypt out of fear of Babylonian retaliation. This effectively completed the destruction begun with the Beis Hamikdash’s fall: no Jewish sovereignty remained until seventy years later with those who returned to build Bayis Sheini.5. Sources for Tzom Gedaliah in Tanach and Halacha
The fast is referenced in Sefer Zechariah as Tzom HaShevi’i—the fast of the seventh month (Tishrei being counted as month seven from Nisan). It cannot refer to Yom Kippur since Zechariah lists it among other fasts related specifically to the Churban. There is some debate regarding whether Gedaliah was killed on Rosh Hashanah itself or on Gimel Tishrei. Some sources suggest he was killed on Rosh Hashanah but that fasting was delayed due to its status as a holiday. The Tosefta in Meseches Sukkah states that Tzom HaShevi’i falls on Gimel Tishrei, while both Bavli (Rosh Hashanah) and Rambam agree he was killed on that date. Others such as Ibn Ezra, Radak, and Yosef Karo bring opinions that he was killed on Rosh Hashanah but fasting was pushed off.6. Laws and Customs of Observing Tzom Gedaliah
Tzom Gedaliah is observed as a daytime fast beginning at dawn (alos hashachar) and ending at nightfall when stars appear (tzeis hakochavim). Eating and drinking are prohibited during this time. Special Selichos—supplicatory prayers—are recited for Tzom Gedaliah along with Aneinu, an additional prayer inserted into Shemoneh Esrei for fast days. The Torah reading for this day is Vayechal Moshe, which discusses Moshe Rabbeinu’s prayers after Chet Ha’Egel—a fitting theme for a day focused on national tragedy and repentance. This summarizes both the historical background and practical observance of Tzom Gedaliah within our tradition.