Mark the Siege at Dawn in Rishon LeTsiyyon
On the morning of December 20, 2026, the fast of Asarah B'Tevet begins at dawn and holds until nightfall, with the exact hours shifting by location. The day recalls the start of Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem, the campaign that led to the destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian Exile. In Rishon LeTsiyyon, as across Israel, the rhythm of the day is quiet and deliberate: you rise before first light, take your last food and drink, and step out into streets that are still cool and half-empty.
Spend the Daylight Hours in the City's Synagogues
The fast day is observed in the synagogue, and Rishon LeTsiyyon's congregations carry the day with the traditional prayers and readings. Plan your visit around these hours rather than around street life, since the day is one of reflection rather than festivity.
- Attend morning services, where the day's liturgy is recited.
- Look for the reading of the day's Torah portion and the haftarah associated with the fast.
- Return for the afternoon and evening services, which close the fast at nightfall.
Watch for the Weekday Calendar Shift
Because the Tenth of Tevet can fall on a Friday, observances in some years adjust so that the fast does not run into Shabbat. Check the published calendar for 2026 before you set your plans, since the exact schedule is fixed locally rather than by a single date across every community.
Break the Fast After Nightfall
When the fast ends at nightfall, families and neighbours gather for a light meal. Keep your evening open and ask locally about where the post-fast meal is being held, since arrangements vary by congregation and household.
Plan Your Trip Around the Fast
Book your travel to arrive before dawn on December 20, 2026, and confirm the local fasting times for Rishon LeTsiyyon once you have your dates. Build in a quiet day rather than a sightseeing one, and leave the evening free for the close of the fast.