Fast of Tammuz

Fast of Tammuz: A Day of Reflection and Remembrance

The Fast of Tammuz, also known as Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, is a Jewish fast day commemorating the breach of Jerusalem’s walls before the destruction of the Second Temple. It marks the beginning of a three-week mourning period for the loss of the Holy Temple.

Quick Facts

When is it?: 17th day of Tammuz (Hebrew calendar), typically in July
Tagged as: Jewish fast day, day of mourning
What’s the hashtag?: #FastOfTammuz
When was it founded?: Ancient times, dating back to Biblical events
Who founded it?: Established by Jewish sages based on historical events

History of Fast of Tammuz

The Fast of Tammuz has its roots in several tragic events in Jewish history. It commemorates five calamities: Moses breaking the tablets of the Ten Commandments, the cessation of daily offerings during the Babylonian siege, the breach of Jerusalem’s walls by the Romans, the burning of a Torah scroll by Apostomus, and the placement of an idol in the Holy Temple.

Timeline

1313 BCE: Moses breaks the tablets of the Ten Commandments
586 BCE: Babylonians breach the walls of Jerusalem (First Temple period)
70 CE: Romans breach the walls of Jerusalem (Second Temple period)
2nd century CE: Apostomus burns the Torah scroll
Modern era: Observed as a day of fasting and reflection

Fast of Tammuz Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	July 13	Sunday
2026	July 2	Thursday
2027	July 22	Thursday
2028	July 11	Tuesday
2029	July 1	Sunday
2030	July 18	Thursday

Observed: Fast of Tammuz

The Fast of Tammuz is observed from dawn to nightfall. Healthy adults abstain from food and drink during this time. The day is marked by special prayers, including penitential prayers known as selichot.

Synagogue services on this day include the reading of the Torah, focusing on the aftermath of the Golden Calf incident and Moses’ intercession for forgiveness. The fast is seen as an opportunity for introspection and repentance.

For many, the Fast of Tammuz serves as a reminder of the consequences of baseless hatred and the importance of unity within the Jewish community.

Fun Facts About Fast of Tammuz

It’s one of four fasts mentioned by the prophet Zechariah.
If it falls on Shabbat, the fast is postponed to Sunday.
It marks the beginning of a three-week mourning period called “The Three Weeks.”
The fast lasts approximately 16-17 hours, depending on location.
Some Sephardic communities announce the fast on the Shabbat before.

Quiz

What does the Fast of Tammuz commemorate?
How long does the fast last?
What special prayers are recited on this day?
What period begins with the Fast of Tammuz?
What happens if the 17th of Tammuz falls on Shabbat?

(Answers: 1. Breach of Jerusalem’s walls 2. Dawn to nightfall 3. Selichot 4. The Three Weeks 5. The fast is postponed to Sunday)

FAQs

Q: Who is required to fast on the 17th of Tammuz?
A: Healthy Jewish adults are required to fast. Children, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions may be exempt.

Q: Can I brush my teeth during the fast?
A: It’s permissible to brush teeth without swallowing water, but some prefer to refrain.

Q: Are there any restrictions besides fasting?
A: The fast primarily involves abstaining from food and drink. Some also avoid listening to music or engaging in joyous activities.

Q: What is the significance of the Three Weeks that begin with this fast?
A: The Three Weeks are a period of mourning, commemorating the destruction of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem.

Q: How does the Fast of Tammuz differ from Yom Kippur?
A: While both are fast days, Yom Kippur is considered more severe, with additional restrictions and a longer fasting period.

Importance of Fast of Tammuz

The Fast of Tammuz holds significant importance in Jewish tradition as a day of reflection and repentance. It serves as a reminder of the historical tragedies that befell the Jewish people and the consequences of straying from their spiritual path.

This day encourages introspection and self-improvement, urging individuals to examine their actions and relationships with others. It emphasizes the importance of unity and the need to learn from past mistakes to build a better future.

The Fast of Tammuz also marks the beginning of a period of increased spiritual awareness, leading up to Tisha B’Av, the day commemorating the destruction of both Temples. This progression allows for a gradual intensification of mourning and soul-searching.