Asara B’Teves, 10 Teveth, commemorates the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem that would ultimately result in the destruction of the First Temple. It is the first of four fast days that relate to the destruction and/or its aftermath (the other three being 17 Tammuz, 9 Av and 3 Elul (Fast of Gedaliah). While our historical vantage point leads us to view these dates as fated givens, the reality is that they were avoidable had there only been a greater willingness to adhere to the words of the leading prophets and engage in genuine repentance.
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