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The Fast of Asara B’Tevet (the Tenth of Tevet) commemorates the tragedy of Babylonians laying siege to Jerusalem. We see then, that the tenth of Tevet – on which the siege of Jerusalem began, was the beginning of the whole chain of calamities which finally ended with the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). In contemporary times in Israel, Kaddish is recited on this day for people whose date or place of death is unknown. Consequently, many rabbis have designated it as a day of remembrance for the Holocaust.

It is the only fast day that can fall out on a Friday. Under those circumstances, the fast continues into Shabbat until nightfall (tzet hakovachim). Mincha Friday afternoon includes the special Torah reading and Haftarah for fast days. Regular Shabbat preparations can be undertaken including showering (thank you :)) and shaving. At mincha, we do not recite Tachanun nor Avinu Malkenu. As such, next week:
 

Those who are not feeling well (even if not life-threatening) or nursing or pregnant are exempt from fasting. If you have any questions if you should fast, please feel free to ask Rabbi Brander.