Fast of Gedalia

Tomorrow is צום גדליה. The assassination of Gedalia is mentioned at the end of Kings II. The story takes place after the destruction of the Ist Temple by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia.He appointed Gedalia governor over a small city called Mitzpa, that was north of Jerusalem. Jews began returning to Mitzpa as they heard that a new Jewish community was being established with the approval of Nebuchadnezzar. There was a glimmer of hope of recovery for the Jewish people.All of this hope was ruined by Yishmael son of Netanya. In a cowardly act of jealousy, he murdered Gedalia at a banquet hosted by Gedalia. He refused to pay attention to warnings endangering his life.Nebuchadnezzar was infuriated by this act and the Jews that remained went into exile to Egypt. The Prophet Jeremiah warned them not to go as he saw that Nebuchadnezzar would eventually get to Egypt and slaughter the Jews. Unfortunately, Jeremiah was right and there was great tragedy. For this reason, we fast on the third of Tishrei.May the עשרת ימי תשובה bring salvation and hope to כלל ישראל.