Rabbi Leibowitz - ashrecha for your tremendous shiurim!2 he'aros on you asar b'teves shiur that discussed the date1. rabbi shimon's date of 5 teves is not about news of the siege -- it is about news of the churban mamash -- they are arguing about the year [his 5 teves is a little short of 2 years after rabbi akiva]2. the chumra of asara b'teves -- see rabbi mirsky's 2nd volume regarding this issue -- the ya'aros devash says the aschakta d'puranusa adif -- and connects it to why we are koveia 9 av and not ten avthank you for your shiurimasher branderasherbrander@gmail.com