The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day commemorating the fall of Jerusalem, prior to the destruction of the Holy Temple. This also marks the beginning of a 3-week national period of mourning, leading up to Tisha B'Av.
The 17th of Tammuz is the first of four fast days mentioned in the prophets. The purpose of a fast day is to awaken our sense of loss over the destroyed Temple – 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. Through the process of "Teshuva" – self-introspection and a commitment to improve – we have the power to transform tragedy into joy. In fact, the Talmud says that after the future redemption of Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple, these fast days will be re-dedicated as days of rejoicing and festivity. For as the prophet Zechariah says: the 17th of Tammuz will become a day of "joy to the House of Judah, and gladness and cheerful feasts."
What Happened on the 17th of Tammuz?
Five great catastrophes occurred in Jewish history on the 17th of Tammuz:
- Moses broke the tablets at Mount Sinai – in response to the sin of the Golden Calf.
- The daily offerings in the First Temple were suspended during the siege of Jerusalem, after the Kohanim could no longer obtain animals.
- Jerusalem's walls were breached, prior to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
- 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.
- An idolatrous image was placed in the Sanctuary of the Holy Temple – a brazen act of blasphemy and desecration.
(Originally, the fast was observed on the Ninth of Tammuz since that was the day Jerusalem fell prior to the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE. However, after Jerusalem fell on the 17th of Tammuz – prior to the destruction of the Second Temple – the Sages decided upon a combined observance for both tragedies, the 17th of Tammuz.)
How Do We Observe the 17th of Tammuz?
- No eating or drinking is permitted from the break of dawn, until dusk.
- Pregnant and nursing women – and others whose health would be adversely affected – are exempted from the fast.
- Should the day coincide with Shabbat, the fast is delayed until Sunday.
- Bathing, anointing, and wearing leather shoes are all permissible.
- The "Aneinu" prayer is inserted into the Amidah of Shacharis and Mincha by the chazan. Individuals insert it in Mincha only.
- Slichos and "Avinu Malkeinu" are recited.
- Exodus 32:11, in which the "13 Attributes of Mercy" are mentioned, is read at both the morning and afternoon services.
- Isaiah 55:6 – 56:8, which discusses the renewal of the Temple service, is read as the Haftorah at the Mincha service.
with thanks to Rabbi Moshe Lazerus.
(36) Anonymous, July 21, 2019 8:16 AM
Thank you. Helpful.
BS'D
What time does 17th of Tamuz fasting end in Jerusalem today?
(35) Robert Maraden, July 3, 2018 11:28 PM
New beginnings
Mourning and living with the memories will always be there . But with the Hand of Hashem it's time to rebuild the Temple and let the joy of Hashem wipe away the tears.
(34) becky pinsky, July 26, 2015 7:32 AM
Is there a connection between Apostumous, burner of the Torah and the word "psothumous"?
While reading Kinnot this morning, I was struck by the fact that the letters of the name of Apostumous and the word :"posthumous" are basically identical. Any information or thoughts about this?
(33) Anonymous, July 5, 2015 3:11 PM
17th of Tamuz
check out the Hebrew date of July 4th 1776 (signing of declaration of independence)
Anonymous, July 5, 2015 9:35 PM
interesting
17 tamuz 5536: well at least the year has favorable numbers; 55 reminds us of the 10 Commandments and 36 is double chai. Additionally, with this terrible deal with Iran looming, it seems we should take this opportunity to thank HaShem for our blessings as well as these trials and tribulations and do more teshuva. Also, it seems there must be enormous and possibly untapped merit from the huge number of people who have sacrificed over time for the US and Israel that might offset the sins that have apparently gotten us in the mess we're in today.
(32) PatRicia Perkins, July 5, 2015 6:41 AM
in just learning all about this thank you
(31) Anonymous, June 30, 2015 7:52 PM
Super helpful! Thanks for posting!
(30) Anonymous, July 14, 2014 3:24 PM
Excellent!
This is excellent and very informative! Thank you so much for posting it!
(29) Anonymous, July 3, 2013 5:43 AM
17th of tammuz blues todah jofi
thank you for the 17th of tammuz blues>when we reestablish our unity as people, sounds like dream come true.that messengers are like enemies, like me to bring closer to Allmighty. Wishing all birthday of Kafka 3 july (born 1883, 120 years ago)from here Prag.Great song I loved it.Todah.
(28) soja, June 25, 2013 5:58 AM
it is very helpful.thank you
(27) David S. Levine, July 9, 2012 1:39 AM
"A Great Compliment Paid to the Jews"
An article in the summer issue of Commentary Magazine by the above title shows how the organizers of a parade up New York City's Broadway in support of the ratification of the Constitution was postponed by the Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton from July 22, 1788 to July 23, 1788 so that Jews could both honor the 17 Tamuz fast day and attend the parade in support of the ratification which was opposed by Governor George Clinton and his not yet organized Democrat Party. It is worth reading!
(26) Bill Thrasher, July 19, 2011 5:18 PM
1776
It is interesting to note that the 17th of Tammuz in 1776 fell on July 4th, the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence for the USA.
ana, July 19, 2011 9:56 PM
interesting, bill
what do you suppose it means?
ה-וינקלר, July 19, 2011 10:42 PM
well....
Odd coincidence, if there is such a thing.
(25) Hadassah, July 17, 2011 5:23 PM
Like all aish articles, this was concise,informative,useful,and to the point. You get all you need to know to make the day meaningful and purposeful.
(24) samuel.chekroun, July 17, 2011 2:23 PM
tank-you Rabbi Chraga-simmons ,the fristh of tamouz iave reading your comments and i appreshied your true end your philosophie kol a kavod all my blessings your samuel the french men .
(23) Anonymous, June 29, 2010 4:22 PM
Thanks
Exactly what i needed to know.
(22) Chani, June 29, 2010 10:49 AM
Good job
Thanks, short but concise article, with a summary what we need to do is needed for each holiday
(21) , June 29, 2010 10:36 AM
Thank you so much, it really makes fasting easier when we know why we are doing it. I am hungry and thristy right now, but I know it is nothing compared to what our ancestors had to go through on this day.
(20) Anonymous, July 12, 2009 10:30 AM
Thank you for this article. I learned from it, that is what is has to be, nachon? Have a "good" 3 weeks!
(19) Almerinda Alves dos Anjos, July 11, 2009 12:21 PM
Next Tisha B'av
Very good the explanations about 17th of Tammuz.. Please , send too the same about 9 th B'Av.
(18) Anonymous, July 9, 2009 4:06 PM
Thanks for this clear and concise article. Just what I needed to get the facts right, and get a feeling of the day.
(17) Sue, July 9, 2009 2:14 PM
Good Job
I found your site much better than another on this topic. It's very easy for a person without a formal yeshivah background to understand.
(16) chana leah, July 9, 2009 1:35 PM
thanx for this article. it really sums up the key ideas of the day very clearly.
(15) Mauro Landau, July 9, 2009 10:30 AM
fasting in Rome
i am visiting my grandmother who lives here in Rome. today in the morning during davening i could feel the heat of the fire burning the Torah scroll. where are the Romans nowadays? gone. And we are here! am israel chai!
(14) Emma, July 8, 2009 2:07 PM
Great
I got a lot out of this. Always learning..
(13) Simon, July 21, 2008 4:52 AM
No longer a foreigner but a co-heir in New Jerusalem.
When we were in prayer with my friend speaking among ourselves the LORD made us understand that our God is a great physician dispensing medicine of a kind which when taken faithfully will accomplish more than human medicine because its or is the whole physical as well as spiritual. In your article dear rabbi l find my prescription, a confirmation that is very encouraging, thanks.
(12) rachel, July 20, 2008 9:49 AM
thank...very informative.
(11) Anonymous, July 13, 2006 12:00 AM
Thank you Rabbi. YOur article is very imformative and to the point.
(10) Mark Wagner, July 25, 2005 12:00 AM
Direct & to the point
Its always wise to know history.
(9) Jessica, June 15, 2005 12:00 AM
I could learn from this type of lesson every day
To be ab le to fit all the learning in like a jixsaw puzzle at the end of the day !
(8) Anonymous, July 7, 2004 12:00 AM
Thank you for the very clear & concise article regarding the Fast of Tammuz. It helps me explain to my non-observant friends why I fast today & why I won't be listening to music or going to theater during the next 3 weeks.
(7) Miryam, July 6, 2004 12:00 AM
Thank you
Thank you so much for this information, I've always fasted without knowing why, now I know thanks to you (Aish). May the Almighty Bless everyone at Aish.com and may he shine his face upon everyone in Aish.com.
(6) Devon, July 6, 2004 12:00 AM
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TEACING ME THIS
(5) roslyn, July 6, 2004 12:00 AM
tragic events occured during the 3 weeks
thanks for this valuable information
(4) Laurence, July 17, 2003 12:00 AM
Thanks for all this informations about the reasons why we should fast today.
It is very important.
Tsom kal to all the jews of the word.
(3) Yaakov, July 16, 2003 12:00 AM
There is a point...
Yes, it is important to know why we fast, but there is a point to fasting even if you don't know why. If nothing else, it is a powerful assertion of your Jewish soul to deny your body food for no other reason than "this is what a Jew does."
(2) ROY TAYLOR, July 15, 2003 12:00 AM
The 17th of Tammuz
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE 17TH OF TAMMUZ?
WHEN IS IT?
HOW DO WE OBSERVE THE 17TH OF TAMMUZ?
I love the way you have put this e-mail
together, it's perfect for learning the basics. This past year I have lost nearly all of my hearing, so I am doing much more reading now. When you have lost the ability to hear you are very thankful for information like this on your web site, especially when it is sent to you. Thank you everyone at Aish.com.
(1) Anonymous, June 27, 2002 12:00 AM
Thanks
Thank you for having this info on your website. I was fasting today and wanted to know why, because if you don't know why, what's the point? So thanks so much!