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 Holiday Central > Yud Zayin Tamuz  >
Shiva-ah Asar b'Tamuz: The 17th Day of Tamuz
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Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, שבעה עשר בתמוז) the Seventeenth Day of Tammuz - is one of the four Rabbinically instituted Jewish fast days - commemorating the breach of the walls of Jerusalem prior to the destruction of the second Temple. This fast day marks the beginning of the three week mourning period which ends on Tisha B’av.

The fast commences at the break of dawn and ends after sunset. For people who can not start the day without their cup of coffee and for those that breakfast is the most vital meal of the day, waking up prior to the crack of dawn is an option.

In general, the laws regarding fasting on the 17th of Tamuz are more lenient that Yom Kippur or even Tisha b'Av, the two fasts that most orthodox Jews are careful to observe.  Unlike Tisha B’Av and Yom Kippur, this fast day does not have the restrictions on bathing, anointing and wearing leather; rather the only prohibition is eating and drinking.  In any event, boys under the age of 13 and girls under the age of 12 are not required to fast, as is the case with all fasts. And, pregnant and nursing mothers and individual with health issues must consult their doctor before undertaking the observance of the fast day. 

Special prayers are added to the morning (שחרית) and afternoon (מנחה) prayers, as well a particular Torah reading and Haftarah.

If this fast day falls on Shabbat it is postponed to Sunday, as it is not permitted to mourn on Shabbat.
 

Mazor Guide to Shiva-ah Asar b'Tamuz (17th Day of Tamuz) brings you much more about the holiday, its meaning and its traditions... See the links below.

MazorGuide Recommended Reading

 - Discussion and Consolation: Experiencing the Churban ~ by: Rabbi Yisroel Reisman - A 6-cassette Set

 

 


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