minor fast day
Definition
Noun: A day of fasting in Judaism that is considered less severe than the major fasts (Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av). It commemorates specific historical events of mourning or calamity for the Jewish people.
Usage
The term "minor fast day" is used to categorize and refer to specific, historically significant fasts within the Jewish religious calendar. These fasts typically last from dawn to dusk.
Examples
- The Tenth of Tevet is observed as a minor fast day.
- We refrain from eating and drinking on a minor fast day.
- The schedule for the minor fast day is announced in the synagogue.
Advanced Usage
- The concept distinguishes these observances from the more stringent "major fast days."
- Observance rules (e.g., exemptions for the ill, pregnant, or nursing) are often more lenient for a minor fast day compared to a major one.
Variants and Related Words
- Fast Day: The general term for any day of fasting.
- Major Fast Day: Refers to the two most severe fasts: Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av.
- Tzom (Hebrew: צוֹם): The Hebrew word for "fast," often used in the names of specific minor fasts (e.g., Tzom Gedaliah).
Synonyms
- Lesser fast
- Minor fast
Related Phrases
- The Four Fasts: A traditional grouping mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (Zechariah 8:19), often associated with several minor fast days commemorating the destruction of the Temple.
- Dawn-to-dusk fast: Describes the typical duration of a minor fast day.
Noun
-
one of five minor fast days on the Jewish calendar
