Sunday, Oct 6 / 4 Tishrei
We fast on this day to commemorate the assassination of Gedalyah, the righteous governor of the Jews after the destruction of the first Temple. Although he was killed on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the fast was established on the third of Tishrei as it is best not to fast on Rosh Hashanah. Since the third of Tishrei coincides with Shabbat this year, the fast is delayed until Sunday. The fast begins at dawn (6:03 am). One who intends to wake up early and eat must have this intention before going to sleep. Otherwise, it is forbidden to eat.
All healthy men and women are obligated to fast. Pregnant and nursing women and people who are ill are not obligated. If in doubt, one should consult a Rabbi.
Shacharit
Selichot and Avinu Malkeinu (Siddur pg. 454) are recited, and the Torah is read. The Chazzan adds Aneinu in the repetition of the Amidah (page 48). Three people who are fasting should be called to the Torah. It is customary to give extra tzedakah to the poor on a fast day.
Mincha
Before the Mincha Amidah, the Torah is read. Three people who are fasting should be called to the Torah. The third person also reads the Haftorah. Sefardim do not read a Haftorah on the afternoon of a fast day.
In the Amidah, those who are fasting say the paragraph beginning Aneinu in the Shma Koleinu blessing (Siddur pg. 108). One who forgot to say aneinu may add it to Elokai netzor (before the final verse of Yihiyu leratzon etc.) if one remembers it before he completed that paragraph. If one forgot aneinu and remembered after finishing the Amidah, he need not repeat the Amidah.
We recite Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu.
In Avinu Malkeinu we say “chadesh” and “katveinu” (as during the Ten Days of Repentance) and not “bareich” and “zachreinu” (as during the other fast days).
The fast concludes at 7:25 p.m.
