asarah betevet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareReligious/Historical
Quick answer
What does “asarah betevet” mean?
A minor Jewish fast day observed on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tevet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A minor Jewish fast day observed on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tevet.
The day commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia in 588 BCE, which led to the destruction of Solomon's Temple.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling may follow British conventions (e.g., "commemorates" vs. "commemorates" is the same). The term is used identically in religious communities in both regions.
Connotations
Carries identical religious and historical connotations in both UK and US Jewish communities.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Frequency is identical and confined to specific religious/cultural contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “asarah betevet” in a Sentence
[Community] observes Asarah b'Tevet.Asarah b'Tevet commemorates [event].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or cultural anthropology texts discussing Jewish history or rituals.
Everyday
Virtually never used in general everyday conversation outside of Jewish religious communities.
Technical
Used in liturgical calendars, religious publications, and historical timelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asarah betevet”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asarah betevet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asarah betevet”
- Incorrect spelling: 'Asara B'tevet', 'Asarah B'Teveth'.
- Pronouncing 'Tevet' with a strong English 'v' instead of a softer sound.
- Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'an asarah b'tevet' instead of 'the fast of Asarah b'Tevet'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a minor fast day in Judaism.
Observance varies, but it is most commonly observed in Orthodox and Conservative communities. Many Reform and secular Jews may not observe it.
Observants fast from dawn to nightfall, and special penitential prayers (Selichot) are added to the liturgy.
Yes, because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, though it is always the 10th of Tevet.
A minor Jewish fast day observed on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tevet.
Asarah betevet is usually religious/historical in register.
Asarah betevet: in British English it is pronounced /əˌsɑːrə bəˈteɪvɛt/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌsɑrə bəˈteɪvɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "A SArrow Remembered At the siege's Hour – Bet-Tevet." (A for Asarah, SArrow for mourning, Bet for Hebrew 'in', Tevet for the month.)
Conceptual Metaphor
A DATE IS A MEMORIAL; A CALENDAR DAY IS A HISTORICAL EVENT CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
What does Asarah b'Tevet primarily commemorate?