עזרא, פרק י׳, פסוק ו׳

Profound grief over the spiritual failures of the people drives Ezra to seek a secluded space near the House of God. Rising from his place, he retreats to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib, a specific room where he can isolate himself [מצודת ציון]. Inside this space, he completely abstains from food and water. His physical deprivation is a direct result of his heavy mourning over the returning exiles who have sinned [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Even after Ezra arrives and settles into the chamber, his state of grief remains intense and unbroken [מלבי״ם]. Although the official period of fasting has already concluded, his deep sorrow over the actions of the people simply makes it impossible for him to eat or drink.