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Because the winter has almost passed [without sufficient rain] ...there is danger hovering over the Holy City and its surroundings..we have increased our prayers and they have not been answered until now, and now..the many people who are in Jerusalem..wake and call to G-d with strength, perhaps the Gates of Heaven will be opened and He will remember us with His great mercy.....therefore we are setting Monday, Thursday and Monday as public fasts for all ...and no man or woman (over age 18) should separate themselves from the community...and with the prayer of many.
Everyone should accept the fast upon himself at Mincha of the previous day. The sick, pregnant, nursing and those exhausted are exempt from fasting, and they should redeem the fast by giving charity to the poor. ...And God, in His mercy, should protect His nation Israel and receive with mercy and will our prayers.
The order of prayers for the days of fasting are then given. On the Mondays, from 9 o;clock on, all work is void and stores are to be closed and all of the Kahal should gather at the Western Wall. |
