“Remembrance is the Secret to Redemption,” Said the Ba’al Shem Tov

Today, the 10th of Tevet, is the day marking the beginning of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar’s siege on Jerusalem. It marks the beginning of the fall of Jerusalem that ended with the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of the nation. It is also a general memorial day for those murdered in the Holocaust whose day of death is unknown.
The fast of Asara BeTevet (10th of Tevet) is a physical manifestation of past events meant to help us remember and stay strongly connected with our past and our roots. As the Baal Shem Tov said, by connecting and understanding the past, we can repair and merit seeing Jerusalem built.
Have a meaningful fast.