Asarah B’Tevet: A Day of Introspection
The Tenth of Tevet, Asarah B’Tevet, is a fast day for the Jewish people commemorating the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem, a process that ultimately led to the destruction of their holy Temple, the Beit HaMikdash. This fast day serves as a time for introspection and spiritual growth, to reflect on this pivotal point in Jewish history and to strive to improve our observances.
In our generation, Rabbinic leaders in Israel designated Asarah B’Tevet as a universal day of Kaddish for those who perished in the Holocaust whose exact dates of death are unknown.
Contemporary Tragedy and the Jewish Response
Asarah B’Tevet 5786 arrives just two weeks after another painful calamity: the antisemitic terrorist attack on a thousand Jews celebrating the beginning of Chanukah in Sydney, Australia.
Aharon’s Silence and the Strength to Continue
On the very first day of the dedication of the Mishkan, Aharon’s two sons died while performing the sacred service.
The Torah records Aharon’s response in two simple words: “Vayidom Aharon”, Aharon was silent.
Yet his silence was not withdrawal. He continued the avodah, the Divine service, without interruption. His response teaches that while questions may exist and pain may be overwhelming, the Jewish response is perseverance, to continue to serve Hashem and sanctifying His Name in an even greater way. This is kiddush Shem Shamayim.
Shema Yisrael: The Core of Jewish Faith
At the heart of Jewish faith stands the Shema Yisrael. It has always been our defining declaration.
There is a moving prayer that reflects the protective power of the Shema:
שומר ישראל שמור שארית ישראל ואל יאבד ישראל האומרים שמע ישראל.
“O Guardian of Israel, protect the remnant of Israel; let not Israel be lost—those who proclaim Shema Yisrael.”
The Shema binds us to Hashem, and Hashem, in turn, guards His people, ensuring that we are not lost or assimilated among the nations.
The Structure and Message of the Shema
The opening verse “Shema Yisrael, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad” Hear, O Israel, the L-rd is our Gd, the L-rd is One.” It is our acceptance of Hashem’s absolute sovereignty.
This is followed by three paragraphs.
The first commands us to love Hashem with our entire being “with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
The second affirms our commitment to fulfill His mitzvot.
The third is the paragraph of tzitzit, which includes the commandment to remember the Exodus from Egypt.
The mitzvah of tzitzit serves as a visual reminder of all the mitzvot, ensuring that we do not stray. Our Sages incorporated this paragraph into the Shema because it concludes with remembrance of the Exodus, the moment when Hashem redeemed us to become His people.
The final verse of the paragraph of tzitzit concludes the Shema and echoes the first of the Ten Commandments:
אנכי ה׳ אלוקיך אשר הוצאתיך מארץ מצרים מבית עבדים.
“I am Hashem your G-d, Who took you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”
As long as this faith endures, redemption remains our destiny.
Shema as a Lifeline of Jewish Identity
Throughout history, the Shema has often been the final words uttered by Jews who sanctified Hashem’s Name. The Shema also saved lives. After the Holocaust, many Jewish children who had been hidden in convents and orphanages could not be identified. The staff at the homes would profess that there were no Jewish children in their care.
Great rabbinic leaders devised a remarkable approach. They would visit institutions and request that the priests and nuns allow them to return in the evenings. At bedtime and they would softly sing the Shema. Miraculously, children who had no conscious memory of Judaism would suddenly respond, crying, calling out for their parents, in Yiddish, “Mame!, Toti!”. The Shema awakened their Jewish identity, safely preserved at their core. It became their spiritual lifeline.
Tzitzit, Protection, and Jewish Continuity
The Shema remains the secret of Jewish survival, and the mitzvah of tzitzit plays a unique role in preserving Jewish identity. In recent times, there have been moving accounts of IDF soldiers who took upon themselves the wearing of tzitzit during the war in Gaza, viewing it as both spiritual armor and a symbol of faith.
Tzitzit is not merely a garment. When recited with intention, its message is clear: awareness of Hashem’s commandments, closeness to Him, and constant remembrance that He is our Redeemer. The Shema thus concludes as it began: with the acceptance of ol malchut Shamayim, the yoke of Heaven.
For men and boys who take upon themselves the mitzvah of tzitzit for the first time, this can be a powerful tikkun, releasing sparks of holiness and blessing.
Shema: The Most Essential Prayer
The Shema is the most famous prayer of the Jewish people. Whether one recites all three paragraphs of the Shema with proper intention, or even only the opening verse of “Shema Yisrael”, one fulfills a great mitzvah and brings great light into the world. It is our national pledge of allegiance to accept and love Hashem, our One and Only G-d.
All who strengthen their observance of this prayer, deepen their intention, and grow in faith, bring merit to their families and to Klal Yisrael.
Dedication and Prayer
This Shema and Tzitzit Awareness Campaign is dedicated l’ilui nishmos, to the elevation of the souls of the kedoshim who were murdered because they were Jews, al kiddush Hashem, in the Chanukah 5786 massacre in Sydney.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, of blessed memory, HYD, devoted his life to strengthening Jewish connection and observance. May our increased commitment to mitzvot in his merit and in the merit of all the victims elevate their souls in Shamayim and draw blessing and strength into our lives.
May this effort bring comfort to all the families and friends who are in mourning. HaMakom yenachem etchem.
And may we soon hear besoros tovos, yeshuos, and nechamos, and merit the coming of Mashiach speedily in our days. Amen.
Joseph Geliebter
3 Tevet 5786
