(Updated Monday 10:15 AM) Jews around the world today (the third day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei) are partaking in a day of fasting and reflection known as the Fast of Gedalya or “Tzom Gedalya.” Gedalya (ben Achikam) was appointed by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnetzer to serve as a Jewish governor in Israel following the destruction of the First Holy Temple in Jerusalem. However, after assuming his post Gedalya was murdered by a fellow Jew. Following his death the Jews living in Israel fled to Egypt fearing reprisals from the Babylonians since it was a Jew who killed Nebuchadnetzer’s appointed leader. Since Gedalya’s death led to an end (temporary) in the Jewish presence in Israel, a fast was established.