Definition

Noun: - (Judaism) A minor fast day on Nissan 14 observed only by firstborn males; it is observed on the day before Passover. This fast commemorates the salvation of the Israelite firstborns during the tenth plague in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus.

Usage

• The term is used specifically within the context of Jewish religious observance to refer to this particular ritual fast.
• It is a proper noun phrase naming a specific religious event.

Examples

• Noun:
  • In preparation for Passover, David observed the fast of the firstborn.
  • The fast of the firstborn is traditionally broken at a siyum (celebration for completing a tractate of Talmud).

Advanced Usage

• The fast is also commonly known by its Hebrew name, Ta'anit Bechorim (תענית בכורות).
• The obligation to fast is often circumvented by participating in a , after which the fast is broken, as celebrating a religious milestone takes precedence over fasting.

Variants and Related Words

• Ta'anit Bechorim: The Hebrew name for the fast of the firstborn.
• Fast (noun): An act of abstaining from food and drink, especially for religious reasons.
• Firstborn: The first child born to parents.

Synonyms

• Ta'anit Bechorim (This is not a synonym in English but the direct Hebrew equivalent and alternate name for the same observance).

Noun

1. (Judaism) a minor fast day on Nissan 14 that is observed only by firstborn males; it is observed on the day before Passover