Fast Jews: The 10th of Tevet, Jewish Fasting & Spiritual Accountability

If you haven’t already, remember to subscribe by clicking the link below:Subscribe here---------------------------------------------------Why do Jews fast, and what is fasting actually supposed to do?In this episode of edJEWcation, we dive into the 10th of Tevet, one of the lesser-known Jewish fast days, and use it as a gateway to explore the deeper meaning of Jewish fasting, repentance, and communal responsibility. The Rabbi walks us through the historical origins of the fast, the siege of Jerusalem that led to the destruction of the First Temple, while Jay asks the questions many people are thinking but rarely ask.Along the way, we unpack:What the 10th of Tevet commemorates and why it still mattersHow Jewish fast days differ from Yom KippurMaimonides’ radical idea that tragedy demands introspection, not dismissalWhether suffering is “random” or spiritually meaningfulHow fasting connects to modern events, including October 7thWhy Judaism emphasizes action, mitzvot, and responsibility over asceticismWe also zoom out to the weekly Torah portion, exploring Jacob’s final words to his sons, leadership failures, anger vs. passion, and what it means to be accountable, not just historically, but right now.This is not an episode about being hungry. It’s an episode about meaning, memory, and what Jews are supposed to do with history.📖 Topics include: Jewish fasting, the 10th of Tevet, destruction of the Temple, repentance in Judaism, Rambam on suffering, Jewish theology, Torah commentary, and Jewish responses to tragedy.