The Three Weeks Is a Time of Public and Private Mourning for the Destruction of the Temples That Once Stood in Jerusalem

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The Three Weeks Is a Time of Public and Private Mourning for the Destruction of the Temples That Once Stood in Jerusalem

Te Tree Weeks This Sunday will begin a three-week period in Jewish calendar called Bein ha-Metzarim, “Between the Straits,” more commonly known as the “Three Weeks.” Beginning with the fast on 17 Tammuz – which will be observed a day later than usual, this coming Sunday, July 21 – and ending with Tisha B’Av, the Three Weeks is a time of public and private mourning for the destruction of the Temples that once stood in Jerusalem. In order to create the appropriate mindset, halakhah enforces several mourning practices during the period that escalate as we get closer to Tisha B’Av, the details of which can be found below. 17 Tammuz and The Three Weeks This year, because 17 Tammuz is Shabbat, the fast will be held on Sunday. The fast begins at 3:39 AM and ends at 8:52 PM. Already beginning the night before, afer Shabbat, the restrictions of the Three Weeks begin: • It is forbidden to get a haircut from the beginning of the Three Weeks. o A man who shaves regularly may continue to do so until the Nine Days begin. • It is forbidden to listen to live music during the Three Weeks. • We do not hold weddings. • We do not make the berakhah of Shehecheyanu. The Nine Days Beginning on Rosh Chodesh Av (the night of Thursday, August 2), Jews observe many mourning practices – in addition to those observed during the Three Weeks – akin to those observed when losing a loved one: • We do not buy new clothing or any other major purchase (unless there is a need to replace something broken). • We do not go swimming. • We do not bathe for pleasure (i.e., you should keep showering frequently but refrain from nice long baths with scented candles). • We do not launder clothes. • We do not eat meat or poultry, nor do we drink wine, except on Shabbat. • It is customary to avoid dangerous travel. Tisha B’Av On Tisha B’Av our mourning practices reach their peak. Because Tisha B’Av this year falls on Shab- bat, the fast is observed on Sunday, August 11. Because of the many laws governing Tisha B’Av – especially with it falling out on Shabbat – a separate guide will be sent out closer to the time. .

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