Asarah B Teves, the 10th of Teves, holds a unique status among Jewish fasts. While many fast days are observed in mourning for historical tragedies, Asarah B’Teves is distinguished by its potential timing and significance. Its observance, when falling on Shabbat, presents a notable exception to the general rule, making it a subject of debate among the Rishonim and later scholars. This article explores the unique characteristics of Asarah B’Teves, the differences of opinion among Jewish authorities, and the implications of its observance.
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The Debate on Asarah B’Teves Falling on Shabbat
The Avudraham, in Siman 550, states that Asarah B’Teves is different from other fast days in that if it falls on Shabbat, it is not postponed. He references the verse from Yechezkel (24:2), which uses the phrase “Beetzem Hayom Hazeh,” indicating a fixed day. This is similar to the terminology used for Yom Kippur, highlighting the special status of Asarah B’Teves. Avudraham’s view holds that the fast must be observed even if it falls on Friday, which makes Asarah B’Teves distinct from the other fasts that never fall on a Friday.
However, other Rishonim have contested this view. Rashi, in his commentary on Megillah 5a, asserts that if Asarah B’Teves falls on Shabbat, it is pushed off to Sunday, just like Tisha B’Av and Shiva Asar B’Tamuz. Rashi’s opinion is supported by numerous Rishonim, including the Rambam, the Meiri, and the Kol Bo, who believe that Asarah B’Teves is not observed on Shabbat and should be postponed.
Exploring the Machlokes: A Deeper Understanding
The disagreement between Avudraham and other authorities can be traced to different interpretations of the fasts’ nature. The Minchas Chinuch (Mitzvah 301) explains that the four Rabbinic fasts were not fixed to a specific day of the month. Instead, the fasts are associated with specificc months: Teves, Tamuz, Av, and Tishrei, but not a particular day. This flexibility is reflected in the verse from Zechariah (8:19), where the fast days are referred to as “Tzom HaRevi’i,” “Tzom HaChamishi,” and so on, without specifying a particular day.
Reb Chaim Brisker further explores this issue, raising a question about the uniqueness of Asarah B’Teves. He suggests that, unlike the other fast daIteves, it is more closely tied to a specific date within the month. This could explain why Avudraham maintains that it cannot be postponed.
Why “Tzom HaAsiri”?
Another interesting point of debate arises from the name “Tzom HaAsiri,” which is used to refer to Asarah B’Teves. Some versions of the Gemara do not include the phrase “Asiri LeChodoshim,” which could impact the interpretation of the fast’s observance. If the term “Asiri LeChodoshim” were included, it would align with Rashi’s view and suggest that the fast could be pushed off. The absence of this term in Avudraham’s sources may explain his stance that Asarah B’Teves must be observed on the 10th of Teves, regardless of its timing on Shabbat.
A Symbol of Hope: The Sefer Bais Moed
The Sefer Bais Moed (Drush 15) offers a symbolic interpretation of Asarah B’Teves. It teaches that the beginning of Jewish punishment began on Asarah B’Teves, and from this day, all other fasts arose. Conversely, it is believed that the redemption will begin with Asarah B’Teves, leading to the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdash. The verse that enumerates the fasts (Zechariah 8:19) speaks of a future transformation, where these days of mourning will be transformed into days of joy and celebration. This highlights the ultimate redemption and restoration that will begin on Asarah B’Teves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Asarah B’Teves different from other fast days?
Asarah B’Teves is considered unique because it can fall on Shabbat, and the fast is not postponed in such cases. This is in contrast to other fasts, like Tisha B’Av, which are delayed when they coincide with Shabbat.
What does the term “Beetzem Hayom Hazeh” refer to?
The term “Beetzem Hayom Hazeh,” used in Yechezkel 24:2, signifies a fixed day. Thus, Asarah B’Teves is tied to a specific date rather than a flexible day in the month.
Why do some Rishonim disagree with the Avudraham?
Some Rishonim, such as Rashi, argue that fasts like Asarah B’Teves should be postponed if they fall on Shabbat, similar to other fast days. They view the fasts as being flexible with respect to the day of the week.
How does Reb Chaim Brisker interpret the disagreement?
Reb Chaim Brisker suggests that Asarah B’Teves is unique because it is identified not only by the month but also by the specific day, which is not the case for other fast days.
What is the significance of “Tzom HaAsiri”?
The name “Tzom HaAsiri” is significant because it indicates that Asarah B’Teves is tied to the 10th of Teves. Some scholars debate whether this name reflects a fixed day or whether the fast could be pushed off.
Conclusion
Asarah B’Teves stands apart from other Jewish fasts due to its unique connection to the specific date of the 10th of Teves. The debate between the Avudraham and other Rishonim highlights differing views on the fast’s observance, especially when it falls on Shabbat.
Ultimately, the discussions surrounding Asarah B’Teves reflect the broader themes of Jewish tradition, including the significance of specific dates, the nature of fasts, and the hope for redemption. While this fast is a time of mourning, it also promises eventual joy and celebration, marking the beginning of the end of the exile and the restoration of the Bais Hamikdash.