17th Tammuz
The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day, and begins the three week mourning period until the day after Tisha B'Av
What is the 17th Tammuz?
Shiv’a Asar B’Tammuz , (17th of Tammuz) is a public fast day commemorating the fall of Jerusalem, prior to the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash. This also marks the beginning of a 3-week national period of mourning, leading up to Tisha B'Av. Originally, the fast was observed on the Ninth of Tammuz since that was the day Jerusalem fell prior to the destruction of the First Beit HaMikdash in 586 BCE. However, after Jerusalem fell on the 17th of Tammuz – prior to the destruction of the Second Beit HaMikdash – the Sages decided upon a combined observance for both tragedies, the 17th of Tammuz.
The purpose of this fast day is to awaken our sense of loss over the destroyed Beit HaMikdash – and the subsequent Jewish journey into exile. Agonizing over these events is meant to help us conquer those spiritual deficiencies which brought about these tragic events. It is however through the very process of introspection and a commitment to improve that we have the power to transform tragedy into joy.
This year the 17th of Tammuz falls on Tuesday 23 July 16th, 2024. The fast begins at daybreak and ends about 30 minutes after sunset.
What Actually Happened on the 17th of Tammuz?
The Talmud in Masechet Taanit (26b) tells us of five great catastrophes that occurred in Jewish
history on the 17th of Tammuz:
1. Moshe broke the luchot at Har Sinai – in response to the sin of the Egel HaZahav (Golden Calf).
2. The Korban Tamid -the daily offerings in the First Beit Hamikdash- were suspended during the siege of Jerusalem after the Kohanim could no longer obtain animals.
3. Jerusalem's walls were breached, prior to the destruction of the Second Beit HaMikdash in 70 CE.
4. Prior to the Great Revolt, the Roman general Apostamos burned a Torah scroll – setting a precedent for the horrifying burning of Jewish books throughout the centuries.
5. An idolatrous image was placed in the Beit HaMikdash – a brazen act of blasphemy and desecration.
How Do We Observe the 17th of Tammuz?
1. No eating or drinking is permitted from the break of dawn, until dusk.
2. Pregnant and nursing women – and others whose health would be adversely affected – are exempted from the fast.
3. Bathing, anointing, and wearing leather shoes are all permissible.
4. The "Aneinu" prayer is inserted into the Amidah of Shacharit and Mincha by the chazan. Individuals insert it in Mincha only.
5. Slichot for the day and "Avinu Malkeinu" are recited.
6. Shmot 32:11, in which the "13 Attributes of Mercy" are mentioned, is read at both Shacharit and Mincha.
7. Yeshayahu 55:6 – 56:8, is read as the Haftorah at the Mincha service. This discusses the renewal of the Beit HaMikdash service.
Today is 12 days,
Which is one week and five days of the Omer