The Jewish fast days, explained
Beyond Yom Kippur, the Jewish calendar includes several fast days — days of mourning, reflection, and repentance. There are two full-day fasts (Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av, from sunset to nightfall) and several "minor" fasts that run only from dawn to dusk. Most commemorate tragic events in Jewish history, especially those surrounding the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem. Fasting in Judaism isn't about deprivation for its own sake — it's a tool for mourning, reflection, and turning the heart.
The major and minor fasts
- Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement; a full-day fast of repentance (not mourning).
- Tisha B'Av — the 9th of Av; a full-day fast mourning the destruction of both Temples.
- The 17th of Tammuz — a dawn-to-dusk fast marking the breach of Jerusalem's walls; begins the Three Weeks.
- The 10th of Tevet — marking the start of the siege of Jerusalem.
- The Fast of Gedaliah — after Rosh Hashanah, marking the assassination of a Jewish governor.
- The Fast of Esther — the day before Purim, recalling the Jews' fasting in the Esther story.
How do the fasts work?
The two full-day fasts run from sunset to nightfall the next day and include other restrictions; the four minor fasts run only from dawn to nightfall and involve abstaining from food and drink. Beyond the physical fast, the day's purpose is reflection — many use the time for extra prayer, learning, and teshuva (repentance). Those for whom fasting poses a health risk are generally exempt; Jewish law prioritizes health.
In short: besides Yom Kippur, Judaism's fast days — Tisha B'Av and the minor fasts of Tammuz, Tevet, Gedaliah, and Esther — are days of mourning and reflection, mostly tied to the Temple's destruction.
Mark the days with meaning, with Derekh Learning
Derekh helps you understand the fasts and the history behind them in a voice that fits you. Start learning or read what Tisha B'Av is.
