Synagogue Services for Minor Fast Days
Shacharit (Morning Service)
The cantor adds Anenu (Answer us, O Lord) to the Amidah prayer, the “Thirteen Attributes of Mercy” are said, and the Torah portion for the day is read.
Mincha (Afternoon Service)
The Torah is read again, as well as the Haftara for the fast (Isiah 55). The congregation adds the Anenu passage in the Shema Kolenu blessing of the Amidah. The Anenu prayer contains various supplications to God on behalf of the community.
The 10th of Tevet
Shacharit (Morning Service)
Selichot (Penitential Prayers) are added, and after the cantor repeats the Amidah, the congregation adds the Anenu prayer.
The Torah is read and three people are called up. The reading describes how Moses asked God for forgiveness after the sin of the Golden Calf and God did have mercy on the Jewish people and forgave them.
Mincha (Afternoon Service)
The Torah is read again and three more people are called up. The third person who is called up is the maftir, and he reads the Haftara for the fast (Isiah 55).
The Fast of Esther
Shacharit (Morning Service)
Selichot and Avinu Malkeinu are added to the Torah reading for the fast day. The cantor adds the Anenu in his repetition of the Amidah.
Mincha (Afternoon Service)
The cantor again adds the Anenu in his repetition of the Amidah, and this time the congregants join him. They also donate three coins as a remembrance of the half-shekel that was given during Temple times. Some say these coins are given to remind us of Esther’s request that the Jews fast for three days before she went to the King.
The 17th of Tammuz
Shacharit (Morning Service)
Selichot and Avinu Malkeinu are added to the Torah reading for the fast day. After the cantor repeats the Amidah, the congregation adds the Anenu. The Torah is read and three people are called up.
Mincha (Afternoon Service)
The Torah is read again and three more people are called up. Again the third person called up reads the Haftara for the fast (Isiah 55).
