ISRAEL: A day of prayer
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Tuesday is the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tevet, a day of fasting and prayer marking the beginning of the siege on Jerusalem by Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar that led to the destruction of the First Temple three years later.
After Israel’s founding, the day also was declared a ‘Yom Kadish Klali,’ a general commemoration day for Jews whose exact date of passing is unknown.
Now, there’s more to pray for.
Leading rabbis from Israel and abroad are calling to dedicate this year’s ‘Asara B’Tevet’ to prayers for the safety of Israeli soldiers and civilians in the line of fire.
Notices on websites and ultra-orthodox newspapers called for prayers and listed verses of Psalms to be recited. Prayer rallies are being held at various locations, and some institutions (Rachel’s Tomb) are providing an 800 number and an e-mail address for people to provide the names of soldiers.
Torah scholars will pray for them.
Prayers are also being held at the Western Wall. Watch live here.
-- Batsheva Sobelman in Jerusalem