A Quick Post As Another Tzom Gedalia Ebbs Away

Maariv is in a few minutes and I have miles to go after that, so I'm writing now. I discussed in class today how there was were many more than six fast days (did you ever notice the irony when they go slow?). The Rabbis chose six to stick (the mnemonic device to remember the six is: boy-girl, black-white - long-short).  So besides whatever reason there is for the day itself there is a reason for why we still keep it today.  Tzom Gedalia - besides the facts around the day itself - was kept as a fast day because of the timing. It makes sense to start the seven days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur (which can and should each be dedicated ton atoning for one weekday throughout the year) (Jewish myth/mistake #937: There are 10 days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur).  We had a good discussion about the nature of this time of year. The talk included stories and rhyme, it had a light touch but was seriously spent time, enjoyed by all - particularly Nicole Aranoff.