At Rambam, when Asarah B’Tevet is Jan. 1

For over two decades, Rambam has hosted a special learning program on January 1. Being that most people have the day off, it is an opportunity for grandfathers, fathers, and all the siblings to join with Rambam talmidim for a meaningful and important day of learning and bonding.

Typically, the day begins with everyone davening together and is followed by a sumptuous breakfast prepared by the Rambam Women’s League, before the shiur begins.

This year, being that the fast of Asarah B’Tevet fell on January 1st, parents and students had to settle for food for thought only.

The program was introduced by Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, Rosh Mesivta of Rambam, who spoke about the importance of learning Torah on January 1st.

“While many people think that as Jews in America we live in two worlds, the first one being the secular world which recognizes January 1st and additionally as Jews remembering that it is Asarah B’Tevet, the truth is that we live in one world ... whose framework is Torah, with everything else fitting into that. To help emphasize that point, what better way is there than to have grandfathers, fathers and sons learning Torah together.”

Rabbi Friedman concluded, “For those in the secular world, today is a day of levity and celebration, however for us as Torah Jews, today is a fast day which commemorates the beginning of the destruction of our temple and the exile of our people.”

He then introduced the keynote speaker, Rabbi Moshe Taragin, as a marbitz Torah par excellence, who has inspired countless students for over two decades. Rav Taragin spoke about the three events which are commemorated on the 10th day of Tevet.

“First, the reason most are familiar with, is a surrounding of Yerushalayim by the Babylonian army. However, today also commemorates the forced writing of the Septuagint, the translation of the Torah into Greek and the  death of Ezra the Scribe,” said Rabbi Taragin.

He explained how all three events impacted on Jewish history and continued to be relevant today.