The Forgotten Festivals and Fasts

By Ben Jakob

There was once a far broader Jewish calendar than the one we observe today.
In the era of Chazal and throughout Jewish history, Klal Yisrael established numerous festivals and fasts to commemorate miracles, salvations, tragedies, and communal turning points. Many were observed for generations. Most have vanished.
What happened to them?
In The Forgotten Festivals and Fasts, this meticulously researched and Torah-grounded study explores:
- The origins and halachic status of Megillas Ta'anis
- The rise and disappearance of the Purimim of the Diaspora
- The establishment of communal fast days after tragedy
- The authority of a kehillah to legislate sacred time
- Why Chanukah and Purim endure eternally while others do not
Drawing from Gemara, Rishonim, Acharonim, responsa literature, and historical records, the sefer examines how Am Yisrael has sanctified time itself - transforming history into avodas HaShem.
This is not merely a historical survey. It is a profound exploration of memory, kedushah, and the covenant between HaKadosh Baruch Hu and His people.
For talmidei chachamim, bnei Torah, educators, and serious students of Jewish history, this work illuminates a forgotten dimension of the Jewish calendar - and deepens appreciation for the mo'adim that continue to guide us today.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GNZRZFKY
• ISBN13: 9798248826056
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"