But there is more. Our fasting is a fervent prayer that these injustices will soon become a thing of the past. We yearn for the day that the cruelty of mankind will give way to justice and love and that their "swords will be turned into plough-shares."
Finally, and perhaps the most important aspect of fasting on all our fast days, is the
There are six public fast days in the year. One is Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). Another is Taanit Esther (the Fast of Esther), connected to the Purim festival. The other four all commemorate an aspect of the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the First and Second Holy Temples.
Following are the four fast days: