The Jewish fast days serve two purposes:
1. To remind us of a tragic time in our history
2. To give us the opportunity to reflect and repent
Today is the fast of Asarah BiTevet, which commemorates the beginning of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem during the First Temple period. Although that event may not directly touch our emotions, the battle that Israel is fighting must. The fast day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the current situation, and on our own lives. Are we doing all that we can to help our people? Are we leading our lives according to the high standards of our Torah, and thereby strengthening the spiritual fortitude of our nation?
Today’s fast is our chance to strengthen Israel with our own spiritual energy.
