The 17th day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz is a minor Jewish fast day. It commemorates the breach of Jerusalem's walls in 70 CE that led to the destruction of the Second Temple three weeks later. The day marks the onset of a period of three weeks of mourning practices, culminating with the fast day of Tisha B'Av, the day on which the Temple was destroyed.
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Days of Calamity and Mourning
MISHNAH
Certain dates in the Jewish calendar are marked by fasting and mourning due to significant historical calamities. The Mishnah, an early third-century codification of Jewish law, details five major disasters for each of these dates and the practice of decreasing acts of rejoicing from the beginning of the month of Av.
The Breaches of Jerusalem's Walls
TALMUD
The breaches of Jerusalem's walls during the First and Second Temples occurred on different dates, highlighting the unique historical significance of each event. The Talmudic tractate Taanit discusses the fast days, including the fasts commemorating the breaches of Jerusalem's walls, and provides insights into these historical events.
The Calamities of the 17th of Tammuz
COMMENTARY
The 17th of Tammuz is a day marked by multiple historical calamities that have deeply impacted the Jewish people. The Mishnah Berurah details the significant events that occurred on this day, including the breaking of the tablets by Moses and the breaching of Jerusalem's walls.
Dedication Under Siege
REFERENCE
The inhabitants of Jerusalem continued the Temple service and daily sacrifices until the very last moment, demonstrating their unwavering dedication even under siege. This text recounts the persistence of the Temple service during the Roman siege of Jerusalem, which culminated on the 17th of Tammuz, now a fast day commemorating the breach of the city's walls.
The Three Weeks of Mourning
JEWISH THOUGHT
The period leading up to the Ninth of Av marks a double national catastrophe for the Jewish people, commemorated through traditional signs of mourning. Eliezer Berkovits, a modern American rabbi and philosopher, explores the historical and customary aspects of this period of mourning in his sermons.
Prophetic Reflections Revealed
COMMENTARY
The prophetic readings during the Three Weeks connect deeply to the themes of destruction and repentance, offering a profound reflection on the historical and spiritual significance of the Temples' destruction. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores the readings from Jeremiah and Isaiah, providing insights into their relevance during the period between Shiva Asar BeTammuz and Tisha B’Av.
Opening Days of Mourning
JEWISH THOUGHT
The fast of Shivah Asar BeTammuz marks the beginning of a structured period of national mourning, paralleling the stages of personal grief. This minor fast begins in the morning and is part of the 'Three Weeks' leading up to Tisha B'Av, commemorating the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem.
The Mourning Fast Days
GUIDES
The fixed fast days are not only days of fasting and memorial but also days of mourning. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, in his introduction to Tractate Taanit, explains that these fasts, although of ancient origin and instituted by the prophets, are considered rabbinical law as they have no basis in the Torah itself.
Destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army, Jan Luyken, 1700
Destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army, Jan Luyken, 1700
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