In Jewish consciousness, a fast day is a time of reckoning, a time to correct a previous mistake. What happened on the Tenth of Tevet that we have to correct?
On the Tenth of Tevet, 2,500 years ago, Nebuchadnezzar began his siege of Jerusalem. Actually, there was little damage on that first day and no Jews were killed. So why is this day so tragic? Because the siege was a message, to get the Jewish people to wake up and fix their problems. They failed, and the siege led to the destruction of the King Solomon's Temple.
Today we are also under siege. Much of the Jewish world is ignorant of our precious heritage. Children whose Jewish education ended at age 13 now carry that perception through adulthood. The results are catastrophic: assimilation in the diaspora, and a blurring of our national goals in Israel.
The siege was a message to the Jewish people to wake up and fix their problems.
So what's the message for us? Wake up and understand. What does the Almighty want? If there's a siege, hear the message now. Don't wait for the destruction.
If the Jewish problem today is a lack of appreciation of our heritage, then the solution is clear: increased love of Torah, love of Jews, and love of Israel and Jerusalem. The Almighty is telling us: The siege will not be lifted until you correct the mistake.
Responsibility To Teach
The Talmud speaks about two sages concerned over the threat of Torah being forgotten by the Jewish people. As a precaution, Rav Chiyah captured a deer, slaughtered it, and gave the meat to orphans. Then he tanned the hides and wrote five separate scrolls, one for each of the Five Books of Moses. He took five children, and taught each of them one book. He then took six more children, and taught each of them one of the six orders of Mishnah, the oral law.
Then he told each of the 11 children: Teach what you've learned to each other. With this, the Talmud says, Rav Chiyah ensured that the Torah would never be forgotten by the Jewish people.
This raises a question: 11 children is a pretty small class. Why didn't Rav Chiyah simply teach all the children all the books? Why did he teach each child only one book?
The answer is that the children having to teach each other was essential to the process. To ensure that Torah should not be forgotten, you have to teach what you've learned to others. That's the secret. You've got an obligation to your fellow Jews. If you know something -- teach it.
To ensure that Torah is not forgotten, teach what you've learned to others.
Realize that the most destructive, painful, contagious disease of all is ignorance. Ignorance leads to wasted lives and untold suffering.
So if you know the key to happiness, teach it. Do you see human beings walking around depressed, half dead? Give them some joy. If you have the ability, you must help. Otherwise you'll always bear the knowledge of what you "could have done."
This is not about "forcing your opinion" on others. No. A good teacher conveys information that allows the student to get in touch with what he already knows -- and re-discover it on his own. Get others to see and understand it on their own terms.
Don't sell yourself short. You have the ability to make a dramatic impact on others. You don't have to be a U.S. Senator to make a difference. With one piece of wisdom you can help humanity.
Soviet System
The director of Aish HaTorah's Russian Program is Rabbi Eliyahu Essas, a former refusenik from the Soviet Union. He lived there at a time when it was totally illegal to study Torah. Consequently, Rabbi Essas had nobody to teach him, and at the time, he didn't know how to even read Aleph-Bet. So he got a hold of some underground books, hid out from the KGB, and began to teach himself Torah.
After awhile, word got out and people started coming to study in secret with Rabbi Essas. As one of a few of the 5 million Soviet Jews teaching Torah, his time was in great demand. That's why Rabbi Essas made a rule: "Before I begin teaching you, you must agree to teach over what you've learned to others." In this way, Rabbi Essas was able to multiply his effect.
Before I teach you, you must agree to teach over what you've learned to others.
Although we don't live under an oppressive Soviet regime, the same concept applies. You learned something precious? Say to yourself: "That was fascinating. How did it change me? What did it teach me about living? Now how can I transfer this insight to others?"
Don't forget: Teaching benefits you as well. Until you share an idea, it's not yours. It remains but a hazy notion in your imagination. Having to explain an idea to others forces you to clarify it for yourself. You've taken it out of potential and made it a reality.
When you teach someone, make sure they understand how important it is to teach it over to someone else. If they do, then that's part of your success as a teacher. That's ensuring that Torah would never be forgotten by the Jewish people.
One Nation
There's one more lesson to be learned from the story of Rav Chiyah. By teaching the 11 children only one book each, these children knew they had to learn from one another. The Jewish people are one and we're all in this together. Every person is worthy of profound respect, regardless of their beliefs and level of observance, and there is something to be learned from everyone.
We live in serious times. Whether it's assimilation in America, anti-Semitism in Europe, rampaging jihadists, or denial of the Jewish connection to Jerusalem, the message is essentially the same: The siege is on and the clock is ticking. We have to communicate the Torah message to our people. It is a matter of utmost national urgency.
We who believe in the power of Torah and the eternal mission of the Jewish people are required to act.
Who is responsible? We who believe in the power of Torah and the eternal mission of the Jewish people are required to act. To teach wisdom and be a "Light Unto the Nations."
On the Tenth of Tevet, when Nebuchadnezzar surrounded the city of Jerusalem, we failed to get the message. Will we get the message now? Will we change? Will we wake up to reality?
We've got to care. If we don't make the effort, we don't care enough. We have powers. Are we going to use them?
Get the message. Before the destruction. Now is the time.
(55) Cindy Gold, January 7, 2020 6:32 PM
Connect with being Jewish, appreciate it, learn, share and unite!
Great message!!!!!
(54) Anonymous, January 6, 2020 6:24 PM
Wisdom from Rabbi Weinberg, a”h, so relevant to today
(53) timetakertay, December 18, 2018 3:51 AM
Happy Birthday!, 10th of tevet
Its my birthday and I am so eager to share this with everyone for the rest of my birthdays.
(52) Elizabeth Button, January 8, 2017 7:16 PM
Knowledge
The article was very good and has wisdom as it's basis. I agree wholeheartedly that teaching one another is a wonderful way to learn and is necessary for life and continuance of faith. G-d bless.
(51) Dvora, January 2, 2017 11:33 PM
Rabbi Weinberg
Fabulous! One way to look at each child learning one book and teaching others is each child is adept in the lessons knowledge contained in his book, inspired by looking at the lesson, and through wisdom, can alternate another view of the same knowledge and expand on the lesson contained in it. If all the children do the same, we have an awe inspiring Torah experience. My love for Torah is life long. I engage daily and lovingly and apply it through living it. I loved this essay Rabbi.
(50) Andy Davis, January 1, 2015 3:28 PM
This also is for the Christians in America
I have read your message and this has help me to understand how that I can be a better student of the Bible that I read. I teach the bible and If the students will understand this wisdom that you have given then we to will become a greater people. God Bless the Jewish Nation.
(49) Anonymous, December 31, 2014 5:42 PM
Great!
This is great! Thank you so much for posting it!
(48) ray, December 12, 2013 5:11 PM
you must become a good teacher b4 u can teach
if every medical student started teaching medicine it would be a disaster. it's important to teach but it's also important to build yourself up. many people even the religious lack the basics - such as bitachon which is the foundation of everything. see for example the Chovos Halevavos Gate of Trust. there's an online one with commentaries which is very powerful.
(47) Daniel, December 11, 2013 5:21 PM
Correcting Jerusalem's Seige
Hashem requires the Jewish people be a priestly people and to be a light in the world. I believe this pretty much sums it up.
(46) winnie, January 21, 2012 12:14 AM
long live the heritage of the Jews. Long live israel
(45) Anonymous, January 5, 2012 5:48 AM
Action speaks louder than words. The best way to be a teacher, is by your actions, the way you live your life. A few months back someone asked me why I'm not teaching married women to love their husbands anymore. I was stun, because I don't remember teaching married women this. It must of been my actions that I was teaching married women this. I re-examine my actions, because it was brought to my attention because of the need for this teaching again. The teaching through action that inspires married women to love their husbands. By the way, I have been single for years, even at the time they had said I was teaching women this. When a need arises, they do look to us to teach them. Once again, action speaks louder than words. I could ditch this and say, I'm single who cares if married women love their husbands, however, that wouldn't be teaching Torah, when asked to teach it.
(44) Daniel, January 4, 2012 7:45 PM
Ruth, at least the deer wasn't hunted
Shalom Ruth, You are right to be concerned about the feelings of the deer. When I read "deer" I first was alarmed, then realized the animal wasn't hunted, but actually caught alive and then slaughtered acc. to kosher shechita rules, as painlessly as possible, not in sight of other deer, etc. It is quite hard to catch a deer alive. They are fast, strong and agile. Rav Chiya went through great pains to ensure that he did it the right way, the more difficult but more merciful way, rather than simply shoot the deer as most Americans, native or not, would do, as well as other hunting peoples. Both the Native American tradition and the Jewish and Islamic traditions stress appreciation of the animal as a gift of G-d. Jewish and Islamic traditions, as they oppose hunting unless necessary, adds an element of consideration of the feelings of the animal. Judaism also forbids hunting in order to discourage a festive atmosphere around the killing of an animal - Greco-Roman hunting parties were a lot like what we still see in the West today: there is a certain festivity and enjoyment in the kill that the Rabbis z"l saw as a form of unjustifiable bloodthirstiness. Recreational hunting is therefore forbidden entirely.
stuart, December 30, 2014 7:28 PM
Doe, a female deer
Hunting deer Jewishly was done by net, lasso and pit. When it was slaughtered under these circumstances more knowledgeable would have toi comment. However, I read where Rashi kept and fed deer for this purpose in the same way that goats and chickens were fenced in.
(43) rabbi schwab, January 2, 2012 8:42 PM
Q/a on aseres Betwves
you can download the 10 Q/a on aseres beteves from my site on m Torahanytime.com RS tks
(42) Shirlee Rosenthal, December 18, 2010 6:11 PM
On being Jewish
I know we live in a busy world parents working not enough time for anything, your children are busy today too,more than ever. But if you take the time to spend time together Friday night and Saturday, go to the shul of your choice and bring Judaism back into your life and you shall be happy. Shalom Shirlee
(41) Alan Green, December 17, 2010 1:19 PM
Thanks to R Noah
R Noah your words are so powerfull even when you do not say them, we miss you and hope to continue to stand for what you did.
(40) Noah, December 16, 2010 2:41 PM
To Ruth
You are wrong. Animals do not have G-d given souls, only life. A big difference.
(39) ruth housman, December 14, 2010 3:04 PM
what is deer/ and to hold, dear
For me, and I did cringe to hear about how a deer was slaughtered to make scrolls, the biggest lesson for those children was that we must sanctify all life, and before that slaughter, to do what the American Indians used to do, before having to eat meat or use meat, and that was prayer. Yes, I know we have Kashrut, but I also know, from so many lines on Aish, that very little time is given to this subject, about the sanctity of all life. Animals are not lesser beings. They have souls. As to the rest of the commentary, YES, it's really about teaching morality, ethics, and a way of life, and surely we all come home, inside ourselves, knowing our heritage which is also a sacred thing, and a story that is sacred, and we must teach this to our children and our children's children, as grandparents and beyond.
(38) Anonymous, December 28, 2009 5:09 PM
Don't forget the mesage
The messge and urgency can still be heard and felt in Rav Noah's wrting. Please, do not forget the message. The time is now and it is more urgent then ever. We are a valley of dry bones. Let's fan the flames so that Jews will fulfull their mission to become a "light to the nations". Won't you please light a flame today...
(37) Eva, December 20, 2007 2:23 PM
Emet ze!
This profound message needs to be taken to heart by ALL our Jewish kin; in Israel AND abroad. With the help of Hashem, I will try to do my part. For your encouragement, I say,
TODAH!
- Eva
(36) Leora K., December 19, 2007 11:37 AM
Melissa Bernath
Hi Melissa,
I am a student at Queens College, and am constantly on the look out to see what I can do to help out in these situations. If you need any help with your organization, you have a volunteer! contact me on the panel if you are interested and we'll exchange info. We actually had a Palestinian Solidarity Week a few weeks ago, and to my understanding, it went somewhat okay. (though there was a Hebrew professor who was siding with the pro-Palestinians.) in any case, let me know!
ayalah, January 8, 2017 4:29 PM
what a cynical answer to Melissa Bernath. Did you really read her comment? a Hebrew Professor siding with the pro-palestinians doesn't mean anything!!!
(35) Anonymous, December 31, 2006 6:13 PM
I have much respect and admiration for Rav Noah.
(34) ola ogunyemi, August 14, 2006 12:00 AM
SPRRITUALLY AWAKENING
QUITE ENLIGHTENING
(33) Steven B. Simpson, January 10, 2006 12:00 AM
What about Har Ha-Bayit?
Shalom,
I agree with the article, but shouldn't Am Yisra'el - especially the Rabbanim - educate our people on the importance of the Holy Temple Mount and the need to reclaim it in *our times*? Doesn't it come a point in life when we get sick of fasting "in memory" of the Temple, while the Muslims continue to occupy our Holiest of Holies and make a mockery of the site and us? Doing Teshuvah and having Ahavat Yisra'el are the most important things, as well as waiting for Messiah, but while we are crying at the wall built by Hordos ha-Apikoros, our enemies our denying our very claim to our land - as well as denying our very lives!
(32) Hersch Isler, January 9, 2006 12:00 AM
Shlichus in Brazil
This article was very important for us (me and my wife) because now we're going to make a shlichus on South of Brazil and davka in the 10th Tevet we'll have our first reunion to talk about the project. Thanks for the chizuk !
(31) REV.KIMBERLY KYLES, February 27, 2005 12:00 AM
THIS IS VERY TRUE ABOUT A TEACHER
THIS ARTICLE WAS VERY INSPIRING TO ME IT SHOW'S SOME OF THE VERY TRUTHS I KNOW AND TO BELIEVE IN WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO SPREADING THE MESSAGE TO A PEOPLE OF HERITAGE AND LONG OPPRESSION IT IS TRUE IT MUST BE TAUGHT AND LEARNED TO STRENGTHEN A GROUP OF PEOPLE FOR THE COMMON , MORAL, AND SPIRITUAL GOOD THESE TEACHING'S WHEN APPLIED SERVE AS STONG PATTERNS OF LEADERSHIP AND GUIDANCE WHEN NEEDED TO HELP HEAL AND NOURISH THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE AWARE TO THE VIEWS OF WHAT IS NECCESARY TO HELP GROW I THOUGHT THIS WAS A VERY GOOD MESSAGE AND I TO BELIEVE IN THE PASSING ON OF WHAT ONE HAS LEARNED TO ANOTHER
(30) Anonymous, October 15, 2004 12:00 AM
10th Tevet
An insightful commentary. We much learn in order to teach and teach in order to learn
(29) Joshua Bendahan, October 5, 2004 12:00 AM
These are the facts.
Rabbi Noah Weinberg knows what he is talking about he is a amazing speaker and truly wants the best for the Jewish people. I have gotten the privlage to study at the Rosh Yeshivas yeshiva in Jerusalem. I did the essentials and Discovery Program there and I must say Rabbi Weinbeg is a great speaker and truly knows the answers to a lot of things on life and torah study. You have to use your Free Will and come to his yeshiva to truly see what it is all about and I reccommend all Jews who are questioning who they are do this now.
(28) Carol Hoehler, December 16, 2002 12:00 AM
Solid Truth
The article by Rabbi Weinberg was totally true. The Almighty is telling us, the seige will not be lifted. I will pray for strength to fast and to fast more often and privately for the siege to be lifted. Thanks for the article.
(27) rich, December 14, 2002 12:00 AM
amazing
so good. what a super insight into the fast. thanks very much
(26) Dale Rolfe, December 13, 2002 12:00 AM
I still learning what being Jewish is about and discovering our history keeps showing me that our ancestors had a terrific amount of insight. Outstanding article
(25) Rick Kreisle, December 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Rabbi Noah Weinberg has hit the nail on the head for all learning,will we heed the teaching?
This is excellent teaching for all humans to get a hold of.Great article!Thanks for taking the time to share your skills as a teacher.
(24) sybil goldberger, December 26, 2001 12:00 AM
comments
On Tenth of Tevet I looked for info why we fast etc. Your information filled that gap. Thanks.
(23) rachel rosenbaum, December 25, 2001 12:00 AM
each man NOT for themselves
excellent summary of our obligation to diminish the ignorance among us
(22) Anonymous, December 25, 2001 12:00 AM
Great message.
Not only recognized scholars should teach, but average people who have some knowledge.
(21) Anonymous, December 25, 2001 12:00 AM
Chazak U'Baruch!
Thank you for sharing this ideal with us. It is something that until you experience it you can't know how good it is. May we rebuild the Beit Hamikdash together very soon.
(20) Linda Zenone, December 24, 2001 12:00 AM
Thank you
I liked what you said about teaching. I never looked at it in that light before...it's very clear to me now.
(19) Michael Kenney, December 24, 2001 12:00 AM
Enlightening!
This article shed light on this rather obscure fast, which comes yearly at this physically darkest time of year. The knowledge I learned from it was enriching, and I'll be sure to share it with others, especially my older son now, who is currently preparing for bar mitzvah. Todah rabbah!
(18) , December 24, 2001 12:00 AM
Thankyou!
Thankyou for explaining this important event in our history!
(17) Anonymous, December 21, 2001 12:00 AM
Fabulous!
This article turned my life around! My kids are so much more knowlegable about Judaism.Thank you!
(16) Gavriel Danzig, December 19, 2001 12:00 AM
Great explanation
This article was the perfect response to my wife's question of what this fast is all about.
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(15) Matt Kleid, January 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Thanks
You've enlightened me on a subject I had no knowledge about. Thankyou for typing this website so I could realize what this fast is about.
(14) Shelley Lurie, January 5, 2001 12:00 AM
AMAZING website
Your website is amazing, it is always updated!! It is easy to find what information I'm looking for- it is such a pleasure coming onto the Aish site!! Also, I subscribe to Rabbi Ari Kahn's Parsha Mi-oray-HA-aish, which I thoroughly enjoy reading every week- I'm learning alot- THANK-U :)
(13) Anonymous, January 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Excellent Points and inspirations for the fast.
Thank you for spreading YOUR knowledge.
I gain so much from all your writings.
Have an easy and inspiring fast. If only every Jew would be able to read this and react Moshiach will be hear no doubt.
(12) Naomi Skillman, January 4, 2001 12:00 AM
Grateful
My calendar said "Fast of Tevet"; I had no idea what that was. Found it on the first try via your website. I am not Jewish, but feel certain if people understood the Torah, they would better understand life and be more prone to accept others. I hope to be prepared when the opportunity provides itself to pass on what you have taught and are teaching me. Thank you.
(11) Judith Pool, January 2, 2001 12:00 AM
Prayer for comfort, strength and prosperity
My prayer for Israel and all Jewish people will continue to remain within my heart - for comfort, strength and prosperity. May G-d grant you wisdom in the coming days and blessings that will provide His nearness to all of you that look to Him.
(10) Anonymous, January 2, 2001 12:00 AM
When Jews listern, may they really , really hear!!!!!!!
Excellent, and very true.
(9) leora rosen, January 2, 2001 12:00 AM
thank you
Dear Rabbi Weinberg,
Thank you for your inspiring words. One simple way to follow your recommendation is to find an inspiring article of the Aish website (of which there are many) and email it to a friend. I am going to do that right now.
(8) Anonymous, January 2, 2001 12:00 AM
Living proof
I owe my spiritual life to a student of Rabbi Weinberg, shlit"a. He wouldn't leave me alone for four years while I argued with him. He loved me and still does just because I was another Jew. I am *eternally* grateful.
Eliezer
(7) Milton Evans, January 2, 2001 12:00 AM
I pray the Nation of Israel would take heed to this article. You are the chosen people and the Almighty gave the land to the you. Keep it and quit giving it away.
(6) Anonymous, January 1, 2001 12:00 AM
Everyone Can Teach
It's an important message that I enjoyed reading before the upcoming fast. Thank you.
(5) Melissa Bernath, December 31, 2000 12:00 AM
Concern about the ability to galvanize the pro-Israel community
Dear Aish,
I am on your list-serv, and frequently read items of interest. Today I read the "Siege of Jerusalem" article by Rabbi Weinberg, and felt the need to write. I am a 20 year old law student at the Cardozo School of Law in New York, and have recently started a pro-Israel organization there (it's called CHAI - Cardozo Heightening Awareness for Israel). I have always felt passionately about Israel, always been an activist-type, and I thought that a pro-Israel organization at a Jewish-affiliated school would be a good idea and an easy success. I was wrong. I have had only 5 people contact me to join so far.
I started this organization following a horrific experience at Cardozo. A political club at the school hosted "Israelis and Palestinians: Prospects for Peace" panel one evening, which I attended. To my shock and dismay, some 7-10 pro-Israel students showed up, whereas some 40 pro-Palestinian people arrived - who even knows how they became aware of the event, as none of them were students or faculty at Cardozo or Yeshiva. To make a long story short, the Palestinians dominated the "conversation" that insued and left the Israel sympathizers certain that peace could never be attained - the experience was truly devastating. If more of "us" had shown up, maybe the course of the evening would have been different.
And so I find myself somewhat downtrodden and my fledgling organization weak. I am committed to Israel, there are many people at my school who are committed to Israel. Commitment isn't the problem. Action is the problem. In a crunch, we as a people, we, as a nation within a nation, can't simply keep failing to "show up". How does one galvanize stagnant people? We are not dealing with ignorance of an issue - it is right before us and yet many don't take even the smallest step in action. I am determined to activate my small corner of the world - if you have any suggestions, I welcome them.
Sincerely,
Melissa Bernath
(4) Sheila Hendryx, December 31, 2000 12:00 AM
My thanks to The Almighty that in such a time of darkness there is light that shows the truth. Thank you for all you do to help keep our feet on paths of truth.
(3) sid kardash, December 31, 2000 12:00 AM
a most inspiring message
The commentary is timely as I was having a discussion with my friends at shul about he significance of the fast on the tenth of Teves.Your message has truly inspired me to act accordingly.
(2) Anonymous, December 31, 2000 12:00 AM
The 10th of Tevet is about taking responsibility
Thank you for pointing out to me the responsibility we have to be alert to the consequences of our actions and the responsibility we have to teach each other.
(1) Anonymous, December 31, 2000 12:00 AM
wonderful guidance
Thank you for teaching and showing the way