Fast of the Firstborn (תענית בכורים (Ta'anit B'chorim)¹ or תענית בכורות (Ta'anit B'chorot)² in Hebrew); is a unique fast day in Judaism which usually falls on the day before Passover (i.e. the fourteenth day of Nisan, a month in the Jewish calendar. Passover always begins on the fifteenth of the month). Usually, the fast is broken at a siyum celebration (typically made at the conclusion of the morning services), which, according to prevailing custom, creates an atmosphere of rejoicing that overrides the requirement to continue the fast (see below). Hebrew (עִבְרִית ‘Ivrit) is a Semitic language of the Afro-Asiatic language family spoken by more than seven million people in Israel and Jewish communities around the world. ... Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people with around 15 million followers as of 2006 [1]. It is one of the first recorded monotheistic faiths and one of the oldest religious traditions still practiced today. ... The Plagues of Egypt (Hebrew: עשר מכות מצרים Eser Ha-Makot) are the ten calamities inflicted upon Egypt by God in the Biblical story recounted the book of Exodus (שמות), chapters 7 - 12, in order to convince Pharaoh (possibly Ramesses II) to let the Israelite slaves leave. ... Nisan (נִיסָן, Standard Hebrew Nisan, Tiberian Hebrew Nîsān: from Akkadian nisānu, from Sumerian nisag First fruits) is the first month of the civil year and the seventh month (eighth, in leap year) of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. ... Nisan (נִיסָן, Standard Hebrew Nisan, Tiberian Hebrew Nîsān: from Akkadian nisānu, from Sumerian nisag First fruits) is the first month of the civil year and the seventh month (eighth, in leap year) of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. ... April 12 is the 102nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (103rd in leap years). ... Passover (Hebrew: פסח; transliterated as Pesach or Pesah), also called ×—×’ המצות (Chag HaMatzot - Festival of Matzot) is a Jewish holiday that always begins on the 15th day of Nisan (on the Hebrew calendar), which falls in the early spring and commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt. ... Hebrew (עִבְרִית ‘Ivrit) is a Semitic language of the Afro-Asiatic language family spoken by more than seven million people in Israel and Jewish communities around the world. ... Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people with around 15 million followers as of 2006 [1]. It is one of the first recorded monotheistic faiths and one of the oldest religious traditions still practiced today. ... Passover (Hebrew: פסח; transliterated as Pesach or Pesah), also called ×—×’ המצות (Chag HaMatzot - Festival of Matzot) is a Jewish holiday that always begins on the 15th day of Nisan (on the Hebrew calendar), which falls in the early spring and commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt. ... Nisan (נִיסָן, Standard Hebrew Nisan, Tiberian Hebrew Nîsān: from Akkadian nisānu, from Sumerian nisag First fruits) is the first month of the civil year and the seventh month (eighth, in leap year) of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. ... The Hebrew calendar (Hebrew: ) or Jewish calendar is the annual calendar used in Judaism. ... A siyum (completion) in Judaism is the completion of any unit of Torah study, or book of the Mishnah or Talmud. ... Jewish services are the communal prayer recitations which form part of the observance of Judaism. ... Fast of the Firstborn (תענית בכורים (Taanit Bchorim) or תענית בכורות (Taanit Bchorot) in Hebrew); is a unique fast day in Judaism which usually falls on the day before Passover (i. ...

This fast commemorates the salvation of the Israelite firstborns during the Plague of the Firstborn (according to the Book of Exodus, the tenth of the ten plagues wrought upon Ancient Egypt prior to the Exodus of the Children of Israel), when, according to Exodus (12:29): "...God struck every firstborn in the Land of Mitzrayim (Ancient Egypt)...."³ Unlike most Jewish fast days, only firstborns are required to fast on the Fast of the Firstborn. The Plagues of Egypt (Hebrew: עשר מכות מצרים Eser Ha-Makot) are the ten calamities inflicted upon Egypt by God in the Biblical story recounted the book of Exodus (שמות), chapters 7 - 12, in order to convince Pharaoh (possibly Ramesses II) to let the Israelite slaves leave. ... Exodus is the second book of the Torah (the Pentateuch) and also the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible), and the Christian Old Testament. ... Ancient Egypt was a civilization located in Africa, along the upper Nile, reaching from the Nile Delta in the north to as far south as Jebel Barkal at the Fourth Cataract of the Nile at the time of its greatest extension (15th century BC). ... // The Children of Israel (Hebrew: בני ישראל Bnai Yisrael or Bnei Yisrael or Bnei Yisroel or Bene Israel;) is a Biblical term for the Israelites. ...

Origins

J. M. W. Turner's depiction of the Plague of the Firstborn (The Tenth Plague of Egypt, 1802)

The origins of the Fast of the Firstborn are found in the Talmud, and the custom may have existed even prior to Talmudic times. The primary Talmudic source quoted for this custom is found in Tractate Sofrim ("Scribes") (21:3). There the Talmud details the reason for the custom. It states that firstborns fast "in commemoration of the miracle that they were saved from the Plague of the Firstborn." Rabbeinu Asher ben Yechiel (otherwise known as the Rosh), in his comprehensive halakhic commentary on the Babylonian Talmud, quotes Tractate P'sachim (Paschal Offerings/Passover Festival) of the Jerusalem Talmud (68a) as an additional source for the fast. Image File history File links Turnertenth. ... Image File history File links Turnertenth. ... J. M. W. Turner, English landscape painter Joseph Mallord William Turner (born in Covent Garden, London on April 23, 1775 (exact date disputed), died December 19, 1851) was an English Romantic landscape artist, whose style can be said to lay the foundations for Impressionism. ... The Talmud (תלמוד) is a record of rabbinic discussions on Jewish law, Jewish ethics, customs, legends and stories, which Jewish tradition considers authoritative. ... Asher ben Jehiel (or Rabeinu Osher ben Yechiel) (1250? 1259?-1328), an eminent rabbi and Talmudist often known by his Hebrew acronym the ROSH (literally Head), was born in western Germany and died in Toledo, Spain. ... // Headline text Halakha (Hebrew: הלכה; also transliterated as Halakhah, Halacha, Halakhot and Halachah) is the collective corpus of Jewish religious law, including biblical law (the 613 mitzvot) and later talmudic and rabbinic law as well as customs and traditions. ... Passover (Hebrew: פסח; transliterated as Pesach or Pesah), also called חג המצות (Chag HaMatzot - Festival of Matzot) is a Jewish holiday that always begins on the 15th day of Nisan (on the Hebrew calendar), which falls in the early spring and commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt. ... The Jerusalem Talmud (In Hebrew Talmud Yerushalmi, in short known as the Yerushalmi), also known as the Palestinian Talmud, (not related to current Palestinian issues at all!), was written in the Land of Israel at the same time of the writing of the the Babylonian Talmud, (which is known as...

The Chatam Sofer suggests that the firstborn Israelites fasted in trepidation in advance of the Plague of the Firstborn; despite a divine guarantee of safety, they felt a need to fast in repentance to achieve greater divine protection. The Chatam Sofer thus posits that this was the precedent for the Fast of the Firstborn. Moses ben Samuel Sofer (or Schreiber), known to Jews as the Hatam Sofer, or the Chsam Soifer, (after his main work שות חתם סופר - Responsa Hatam Sofer, lit. ...

Meaning of the fast

In Judaism, there are essentially three potential purposes in fasting, and a combination of some or all of these could apply to any given fast. One purpose in fasting is the achievement of atonement for sins and omissions in Divine service. Fasting is not considered the primary means of acquiring atonement; rather, sincere regret for and rectification of wrongdoing is key (see Isaiah, 58:1-13). Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people with around 15 million followers as of 2006 [1]. It is one of the first recorded monotheistic faiths and one of the oldest religious traditions still practiced today. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Nevertheless, fasting is conducive to atonement, for it tends to precipitate contrition in the one who fasts (see Joel, 2:12-18). This is why the Bible requires fasting (lit. self affliction) on Yom Kippur (Jewish holiday of atonement) (see Leviticus, 23:27,29,32; Numbers, 29:7; Tractate Yoma (Yom Kippur ("Day [of] Atonement"), 8:1; ibid. (Babylonian Talmud), 81a). Because, according to the Hebrew Bible, hardship and calamitous circumstances can occur as a result of wrongdoing (see, for example, Leviticus, 26:14-41), fasting is often undertaken by the community or by individuals to achieve atonement and avert catastrophe (see, for example, Esther, 4:3,16; Jonah, 3:7). Most of the Talmud's Tractate Ta'anit ("Fast[s]") is dedicated to the protocol involved in declaring and observing fast days. // Overview of Contents The book of Joel (MEW) is part of the Jewish Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, and also the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. ... Yom Kippur (יום כיפור yom kippūr) is the Jewish holiday of the Day of Atonement. ... Leviticus is the third book of the Hebrew Bible, also the third book in the Torah (five books of Moses). ... The Book of Numbers is the fourth of the books of the Pentateuch, called in the Hebrew ba-midbar במדבר, i. ... Yom Kippur (יום כיפור yom kippūr) is the Jewish holiday of the Day of Atonement. ... The Book of Esther is a book of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and of the Old Testament. ... In the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Jonah is the 5th book in a series of books called the Minor Prophets (itself a subsection of the Nevi’im or Prophets). ...

The second purpose in fasting is commemorative mourning. Indeed, most communal fast days that are set permanently in the Jewish calendar fulfill this purpose. These fasts include: Tish'ah b'Av, Shiv'ah Asar b'Tamuz, Asarah b'Tevet (all of the three dedicated to mourning the loss of the destroyed Beit HaMikdash (Temple)), and Tzom G'dalyah. The purpose of a fast of mourning is the demonstration that those fasting are impacted by and distraught over earlier loss. This serves to heighten appreciation of that which was lost. This is in line with Isaiah (66:10), who indicates that mourning over a loss leads to increased happiness upon return of the loss: Tisha BAv (תשעה באב tish‘āh bə-āḇ) is a major annual fast day in Judaism. ... Seventeenth of Tammuz, the seventeenth day on the Hebrew calendar month of Tammuz, is a half-day (dawn to dusk) fast in Judaism. ... Tenth of Tevet, in Hebrew asarah btevet, the tenth day of the Hebrew calendar month of Tevet, a minor fast day in Judaism. ... The Temple in Jerusalem or the Holy Temple (Hebrew: בית המקדש, transliterated Bet HaMikdash) was built in ancient Jerusalem in c. ... The Fast of Gedalia (or Gedaliah) is a Jewish fast from dawn till dusk to commemorate the death of a Jew of that name. ...

Be glad with Jerusalem, and exult in her, all those who love her; rejoice with her in celebration, all those [who were] mourners over her.

The third purpose in fasting is commemorative gratitude. Since food and drink are corporeal needs, abstinence from them serves to provide a unique opportunity for focus on the spiritual. Indeed, the Midrash explains that fasting can potentially elevate one to the exalted level of the Mal'achay HaSharait (ministering angels) (Pirkei d'Rabbi Eliezer, 46). This dedication is considered appropriate gratitude to God for providing salvation. Additionally, by refraining from such basic physical indulgence, one can more greatly appreciate the dependence of humanity on God, leading to appreciation of God's beneficence in sustaining His creations. Indeed, Jewish philosophy considers this appreciation one of the fundamental reasons for which God endowed mankind with such basic physical needs as food and drink. This is seen from the text of the blessing customarily recited after consuming snacks or drinks: Jerusalem (; Hebrew: Yerushalayim; Arabic: al-Quds, Greek Ιεροσόλυμα), the capital of Israel, is an ancient Middle Eastern city on the watershed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea at an elevation of 650-840 meters. ... Midrash (Hebrew: מדרש; plural midrashim) is a Hebrew word referring to a method of exegesis of a Biblical text. ... Midrash (Hebrew: מדרש; plural midrashim) is a Hebrew word referring to a method of exegesis of a Biblical text. ... Listed below are some Hebrew prayers and blessings that are part of Judaism that are recited by many Jews. ...

You are the Source of all blessing, O' Eternal One, our God, King of the universe, Creator of many souls, who gave [those souls] needs for all that which You created, to give life through them to every living soul. Blessed is the Eternal Life-giver.⁴

Fasting on the Fast of the Firstborn incorporates the first purpose (as do all fasts) and the third, as detailed in the introduction to this article. Additionally, according to Rabbi Jacob Emden, the Fast of the Firstborn, like Ta'anit Esther (which occurs approximately a month prior), commemorates the salvation of the Jews from the plot of Haman. This is because Haman advanced his plot on the fourteenth of Nisan (the day before Passover). For this reason, it is the custom among some to fast on this day, even if they are not firstborn. Jacob Emden was a Jewish rabbi, Talmud scholar, and opponent of the Sabbatians. ... Purim (Hebrew: פורים Pûrîm Lots, from Akkadian pūru) is a joyous Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of Persian Jews from the plot of the evil Haman to exterminate them, as recorded in the biblical Book of Esther. ... Haman is a name that is applied to different personages in different religious traditions: Haman (Bible), appears in the Book of Esther and is the main villain in the Jewish holiday of Purim. ...

Qualifications for fasting

There is disagreement among the early halakhic authorities (authoritative scholars of Jewish law) as to who qualifies as a firstborn for purposes of the Fast of the Firstborn. All authorities agree, however, to the conditions of halakhic adulthood (generally speaking, this is 12 years for a female and 13 years for a male) and sanity, preconditions for all mitzvot assay (commands to perform; in contradistinction to mitzvot lo ta'aseh, commands to refrain), to obligate one to fast. (Other rare conditions, such as deaf-muteness, also exempt one from mitzvot assay). // Headline text Halakha (Hebrew: הלכה; also transliterated as Halakhah, Halacha, Halakhot and Halachah) is the collective corpus of Jewish religious law, including biblical law (the 613 mitzvot) and later talmudic and rabbinic law as well as customs and traditions. ... Mitzvah (Hebrew: מצווה, commandment; plural, mitzvot; from צוה, tzavah, command) is a word is used in Judaism to refer to (a) the commandments, of which there are believed to be 613, given in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) or (b) any Jewish law at all. ... Mitzvah (Hebrew: מצווה, commandment; plural, mitzvot; from צוה, tzavah, command) is a word is used in Judaism to refer to (a) the commandments, of which there are believed to be 613, given in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) or (b) any Jewish law at all. ...

According to the Bayit Chadash (Rabbi Yoel Sirkis), the Sefer Agudah, and the Maharil, both men and women are obligated to fast. This is based upon the Midrash, which states that both men and women among the firstborn Egyptians perished in the plague. Following a precedent common in Jewish commemorative rituals, the above authorities ruled that all those who were miraculously saved should participate in commemoration (see also Pesachim 108b). Since both men and women died from the plague, all firstborn Jewish men and women alive at that time are considered to have been miraculously saved. The Rema (Rabbi Moshe Isserles) and the Vilna Gaon (Rabbi Eliyahu Kramer) rule that women are exempt from the fast. As the Book of Exodus (13:12-15) mentions the biblical command of Redemption of the Firstborn as commemorative of the salvation of Jewish firstborns in Egypt, and as this command only applies to firstborn males, the Rema and the Vilna Gaon rule similarly that only males are obligated to fast. Common practice is that only males fast. Arbaah Turim (ארבעה טורים, Hebrew: Four columns - on the High Priests breastplate), also abbreviated as Tur, is an important work of Jewish law, composed by Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher (Spain, 1270 -c. ... Yoel Sirkis (1561-1640) was a rabbi and halakhist (Authority on Jewish law) known to scholars of Judaism. ... Rabbi Yaakov Moelin (c. ... Midrash (Hebrew: מדרש; plural midrashim) is a Hebrew word referring to a method of exegesis of a Biblical text. ... Rabbi Moses Isserles (1530 - 1572), is best known for the fundamental work of Halakha, Jewish law, the Mapah (Hamapah), a component of the Shulkhan Arukh; he is also well known for the Darkhei Moshe, a commentary on the Tur. ... Elijah Ben Solomon, the Vilna Gaon The Vilna Gaon (April 23, 1720 – October 9, 1797) was a prominent Jewish rabbi, Talmud scholar, and Kabbalist. ... Exodus is the second book of the Torah (the Pentateuch) and also the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible), and the Christian Old Testament. ... Redemption of First-born (pidyon ha-ben in Hebrew), is an important ritual in Judaism. ...

While a firstborn to both parents, or a firstborn to only the mother, must fast according to all authorities, there is a dispute among the early halakhic authorities regarding the status of a firstborn to only the father. The Shulkhan Arukh (Rabbi Joseph Karo) codifies that a firstborn to only the father is obligated to fast, while most printings of the Arba'ah Turim (Rabbi Jacob ben Asher) indicate that such a person would be exempt. Common practice follows the Shulkhan Arukh. The Shulkhan Arukh (Hebrew: Prepared Table), by Rabbi Yosef Karo is considered the most authoritative compilation of Jewish law since the Talmud. ... Rabbi Yosef (Joseph) Karo is one of the most important leaders in the history of halakha (Jewish law). ... Arbaah Turim (ארבעה טורים, Hebrew: Four columns - on the High Priests breastplate), also abbreviated as Tur, is an important work of Jewish law, composed by Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher (Spain, 1270 -c. ... Jacob ben Asher, in Hebrew Yaakov ben Asher, (1270-ca 1340) was an influential Medieval rabbinic authority. ...

Typically, if the oldest in the family passed away, the next oldest is not required to fast. However, if the oldest died as a newborn, the next oldest is required to fast.

Many authorities, including the Rema, note the custom that the father of a firstborn should fast on his child's behalf until the child reaches halakhic adulthood. The Rema rules that if the father is a firstborn himself, the mother should fast on behalf of the child. The Mateh Moshe and Maharil dispute this and rule in such a scenario that the mother need not fast.

The Sh'vut Ya'akov rules that the above-cited custom of the father fasting for the child goes into effect as soon as the child is born. The Korban N'tan'el (commentary on the Rosh) disagrees. He writes that the custom only goes into effect from the time the child is 30 days old. This relates, again, to the command to redeem the firstborn, which does not go into effect until the child is 30 days old. Yaakov Reischer (1661-1733) was a rabbi and halakhist (authority on Jewish law) known to scholars of Judaism. ...

Breaking the fast

The Mishnah Berurah quotes three opinions regarding circumstances in which the fast may be broken. According to the first, a healthy individual must fast if he can can sustain the fast without undue suffering and without any subsequent weakening that would affect his ability or inclination to heartily partake of his Passover Seder meal (and specifically the matzah). (If one is obligated to partake in a festive meal that day, such as if he is the father of an infant on the day of circumcision, this opinion requires him to undertake a reciprocal fast at the soonest opportunity.) According to the second custom (quoted by the Magen Avraham (Rabbi Avraham Gombiner) in the name of the Maharash Levi), the fast may be broken at any festive meal celebrating a circumcision or (interestingly) a redemption of the firstborn. According to the third custom, based upon the Maharshal (Rabbi Shlomo Luria), the fast may even be broken at a siyum (festive meal) celebrating the completion of study of a tractate of Talmud. The latter custom is commonly observed. Mishnah Berurah (Hebrew: Clarified Teaching) is a commentary on the Orach Chayim (laws of prayer, synagogue, shabbat and holidays) section of the Shulkhan Arukh by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, better known as The Chafetz Chayim (Poland, 1838 - 1933). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Haggadah of Pesach. ... Matza (also Matzoh, Matzah, Matzo, Hebrew מַצָּה maṣṣā), an unleavened bread, is the official food of Passover. ... Circumcision is the removal of some or all of the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis. ... The Shulkhan Arukh (Hebrew: Prepared Table), by Rabbi Yosef Karo is considered the most authoritative compilation of Jewish law since the Talmud. ... Avraham Gombiner (circa 1633-circa 1683) was a rabbi and Talmudist and a leading religious authority in the Jewish community of Kalisch, Poland during the seventeenth century. ... Circumcision is the removal of some or all of the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis. ... Redemption of First-born (pidyon ha-ben in Hebrew), is an important ritual in Judaism. ... Rabbi Solomon Luria (1510-1574), was one of the great Ashkenazic poskim (decisors of Jewish law) and teachers of his time. ... A siyum (completion) in Judaism is the completion of any unit of Torah study, or book of the Mishnah or Talmud. ...

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, based on the N'mukei Yosef, the Ran (Rabbeinu Nissim), the Rashbam, and the Eliyah Rabbah, extends the possibility of breaking the fast to include even breaking it at a festive meal celebrating the completion of any mitzvah (commandment) that had required regular, continual involvement. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986) was an Orthodox Rabbi who was world renowned for his expertise in halakha (Jewish Law) and was the de facto supreme rabbinic authority for the Orthodox Jewry of North America. ... Rabbi Nissim ben Reuven (1320 - 1380) of Girona was an influential talmudist and authority in Jewish law. ... Rabbi Shmuel the son of Meir (1085-1174), more commonly known by the acronym RaSHBaM, was the grandson of Rashi and was a biblical commentator and Talmudist. ... Mitzvah (Hebrew: מצווה, commandment; plural, mitzvot; from צוה, tzavah, command) is a word is used in Judaism to refer to (a) the commandments, of which there are believed to be 613, given in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) or (b) any Jewish law at all. ...

Additionally, the Mordechai (a halakhic commentary on the Babylonian Talmud) quotes the ruling of his father-in-law Rabbeinu Yechiel that firstborns need not fast at all on the day before Passover; firstborns need only limit their diet to snacks. The Mishnah Berurah states that it is appropriate for a weak individual to follow this ruling. Mordechai ben Hillel (c 1250 - 1298) was a rabbi and legal authority in 13th century Germany. ... Yechiel ben Joseph of Paris (Jehiel of Paris) was a major Talmudic scholar and Tosafist from northern France. ...

Duration of the fast

If the fast is not broken at a celebratory meal, there is a dispute among halakhic authorities regarding the duration of the fast. Normally, all Jewish fasts continue until nightfall (most authorities rule that this is approximately 40 minutes after sunset, but varies by location and time of year). However, the presence of a fast immediately before a holiday presents a unique quandary. Normally, one may not enter a Shabbat (the Jewish Saturday Sabbath) or Yom Tov (Festival) in a state of fasting. The Talmud discusses what one should do when a formal fast day (other than Yom Kippur) falls directly before Shabbat or Yom Tov. The sages of the Talmud are divided over two options: Either one should break the fast shortly before sundown, or one should fast through nightfall, regardless. Since the Talmud arrives at no clear conclusion, disagreement arose among halakhic authorities. The Maharil rules that the fast continues until nightfall, while others rule that it should be broken before sundown. Shabbat (שבת shabbāt, rest Hebrew, or Shabbos in Ashkenazic pronunciation), is the weekly day of rest in Judaism. ... Jewish holiday, (or Yom Tom or chag or taanit in Hebrew) is a day that is holy to the Jewish people according to Judaism and is usually derived from the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Torah, and in some cases established by the rabbis in later eras. ... The Talmud (תלמוד) is a record of rabbinic discussions on Jewish law, Jewish ethics, customs, legends and stories, which Jewish tradition considers authoritative. ... Yom Kippur (יום כיפור yom kippūr) is the Jewish holiday of the Day of Atonement. ...

When Passover begins after Shabbat

If the day before Passover falls on Shabbat, most authorities rule that the fast is set for the previous Thursday, and this has become common practice.⁵ This is because it is forbidden to fast on Shabbat (except for where Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat), and fasts are preferably not set for Friday. In such a scenario, the ritual of B'dikat Chametz (the formal search for forbidden leavening that is conducted before Passover) is set for Thursday night. Normally, it is forbidden to eat (starting from nightfall) before conducting the Bedikat Chametz. However, for a firstborn who is fatigued or uncomfortable from the fast, the Mateh Moshe and Maharil rule that some food may be eaten before the search or that another person may be appointed to perform the search on behalf of the firstborn. Yom Kippur (יום כיפור yom kippÅ«r) is the Jewish holiday of the Day of Atonement. ... Passover (Hebrew: פסח; transliterated as Pesach or Pesah), also called ×—×’ המצות (Chag HaMatzot - Festival of Matzot) is a Jewish holiday that always begins on the 15th day of Nisan (on the Hebrew calendar), which falls in the early spring and commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt. ... Passover (Hebrew: פסח; transliterated as Pesach or Pesah), also called ×—×’ המצות (Chag HaMatzot - Festival of Matzot) is a Jewish holiday that always begins on the 15th day of Nisan (on the Hebrew calendar), which falls in the early spring and commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt. ...

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein writes, based on the Rema (who is supported by a similar ruling of the P'ri M'gadim), that one who breaks the adjusted Thursday fast may be required to fast on Friday. While Rabbi Feinstein writes that, practically speaking, one should not fast on Friday in such circumstances (following popular custom, which may rely somewhat on the Shulkhan Arukh, Turei Zahav, Eliyah Rabbah, Chayei Adam, Sh'vut Ya'akov, Mor u'K'tzi'a, and others who dispute the ruling of the Rema), the question is resolved completely if one fasts the entire day on Thursday. However, Rabbi Feinstein makes no mention of this requirement, and Rabbi Moshe Shternbuch rules likewise. In order to comply with the ruling of the Rema, however, the Piskei T'shuvot suggests participating in a second siyum on Friday, while Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank suggests partaking of leftovers from the previous day's siyum.⁶ The Shulkhan Arukh (Hebrew: Prepared Table), by Rabbi Yosef Karo is considered the most authoritative compilation of Jewish law since the Talmud. ... Rabbi David ben (son of) Israel HaLevi Segal (1586-1667) was a Polish Rabbi and Halakhist (expert in Jewish law). ... Rabbi Avraham Danzig (1748-1820) is best known as the author of the works of Jewish law Chayei Adam and Chochmat Adam. ...

Status of the fast

In halakha, there are two general types of fast: the communal fast and the individuals' fast. Among other differences between the two, a special prayer is added by the Chazzan (leader of the prayers) on communal fasts whenever both ten fasting individuals congregate and the Chazzan is fasting. While the Magen Avraham treats the fast as an individuals' fast, the Shi'yurei K'nesset HaG'dolah, the P'ri Chadash, and the Or Zarua view it as a communal fast. To avoid the practical implications of the controversy, the Mishnah Berurah suggests that a firstborn should not serve as Chazzan on the day of the fast. // Headline text Halakha (Hebrew: הלכה; also transliterated as Halakhah, Halacha, Halakhot and Halachah) is the collective corpus of Jewish religious law, including biblical law (the 613 mitzvot) and later talmudic and rabbinic law as well as customs and traditions. ... A hazzan (or chazzan, Hebrew for Cantor) is a Jewish musician trained in the vocal arts who helps lead the synagogue in songful prayer. ... The Shulkhan Arukh (Hebrew: Prepared Table), by Rabbi Yosef Karo is considered the most authoritative compilation of Jewish law since the Talmud. ... Isaac ben Moses of Vienna (also called Isaac Or Zarua; Hebrew: Yitzchak ben Moshe) was one of the greatest rabbis of the Middle Ages. ...

Additionally, this fast differs from most other fasts established in the Jewish calendar in that this fast is not indicated in the Hebrew Scriptures. This lessens the severity of the fast, and someone who experiences significant discomfort as a result of fasting may break his fast (Mishnah Berurah based on the Rema). 11th century Targum Tanakh [תנ״ך] (also Tanach, IPA: or ) is an acronym that identifies the Hebrew Bible. ...

Modern practice

The laws pertaining to the Fast of the Firstborn are universally observed in Orthodox communities around the world. Orthodox Judaism is the stream of Judaism which adheres to a relatively strict interpretation and application of the laws and ethics first canonized in the Talmud (The Oral Law) and later codified in the Shulkhan Arukh (Code of Jewish Law). It is governed by these works and the Rabbinical commentary...

See also

• Jewish holiday
• Passover

A Jewish holiday or Jewish Festival is a day or series of days observed by Jews as holy or secular commemorations of important events in Jewish history. ... Passover (Hebrew: פסח; transliterated as Pesach or Pesah), also called חג המצות (Chag HaMatzot - Festival of Matzot) is a Jewish holiday that always begins on the 15th day of Nisan (on the Hebrew calendar), which falls in the early spring and commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt. ...

Recommended reading

• The Book of Our Heritage Eliyahu Kitov, Feldheim Inc., 1968 (hardcover: ISBN 0873067630; paperback: ISBN 0873067649)
• The Festivals in Halacha Shlomo Yosef Zevin, Mesorah Publications, 1981 (ISBN 0899069088)

Footnotes

• Note 1: Often alternatively transliterated as Ta'anit Bechorim, Taanit Bechorim, Ta'anis B'chorim, Ta'anis Bechorim, and Taanis Bechorim. This is the primary official name of the fast as discussed in halakhic literature
• Note 2: This variation of this term is used where the final im is changed to ot or os, as in Ta'anis Bechoros. This usage indicates the relationship of the fast to the Plague of the Firstborn, traditionally referred to as Makat B'chorot. This variation, which is uncommonly found in traditional literature, has gained prominence in colloquial usage
• Note 3: See also Exodus 12:13, ibid. 12:23, ibid. 12:27, ibid. 13:15
• Note 4: Minor variations exist in both the text of this blessing and its potential translations
• Note 5: This differs from the ruling of Rabbi Joseph Karo's father, which maintains that the fast is cancelled entirely when the day before Passover is Shabbat
• Note 6: See here for more discussion of this topic

// Headline text Halakha (Hebrew: הלכה; also transliterated as Halakhah, Halacha, Halakhot and Halachah) is the collective corpus of Jewish religious law, including biblical law (the 613 mitzvot) and later talmudic and rabbinic law as well as customs and traditions. ... The Plagues of Egypt (Hebrew: עשר מכות מצרים Eser Ha-Makot) are the ten calamities inflicted upon Egypt by God in the Biblical story recounted the book of Exodus (שמות), chapters 7 - 12, in order to convince Pharaoh (possibly Ramesses II) to let the Israelite slaves leave. ... Rabbi Yosef (Joseph) Karo is one of the most important leaders in the history of halakha (Jewish law). ...

External links

• Elaboration on the meaning and laws of the fast
• Breaking an adjusted Thursday fast