Fast of Gedaliah

On Sunday, October 2, 2011 (the 4th of Tishrei), all men and women over the age of bar/bat mitzvah fast from dawn until nightfall, in commemoration of the assassination of Gedaliah, governor of Judea. See Today in Jewish History for more about Gedaliah. Click here for fast beginning and end times in your location.

• Pregnant and nursing women do not have to fast on this day. Someone who is ill should consult a rabbi.
• During the morning prayers we recite Selichot (elegies).
• The Torah is read during the morning and afternoon prayers (Exodus 32:11-14; 34:1-10). After the Minchah (afternoon) Torah reading, a special fast-day Haftorah is read (Isaiah 55:6-56:8).
• During the Amidah of the Mincha prayer, all those who are fasting add a small section, the Aneinu, to the Shema Koleinu blessing.