Three Weeks

The fast of Shiva Assar b’Tammuz (17th of Tammuz) commemorates the breaching of the defensive walls around Jerusalem by Roman armies, leading but three weeks later to Jerusalem’s destruction.  

• Also on this day: Moshe shattered the first set of Ten Commandments; a pagan idol was erected in the first Beit HaMikdash; the daily Tamid sacrifice ceased to be offered in the first Beit HaMikdash; and in the lead up to the Bar Kochva revolt, the Roman general Apostomus burned a Torah scroll. The fast also commemorates the breaching of Jerusalem’s walls in the period of the first Beit HaMikdash, which occured on the 9th of Tammuz.

• A uniting theme is “cracks” before the break. All of the above events were substantial setbacks, but calamitous more as symbols for what was to come than for what they themselves represent.  I think of these as ancient “Kristallnachts” (Night of ‘Cracked’ Glass) -- the first crack, the first definitive symbol of a far worse calamity to come.

Since the 17th of Tammuz falls on Shabbat this year, we will fast “Shiva Assar b’Tammuz” on the 18th -- this coming Sunday. The fast begins on Sunday at 4:16 am and ends at 9:08 pm.

• Drinking and eating are forbidden, while other fasting practices are not observed (e.g. one may wear leather shoes).

• If sick to the point that you can’t participate in your daily life and need lay down, you are exempt. Likewise, if one is ill enough - or prone to illness - that fasting will you bring you to this level of sick, you are exempt from fasting. However, if the natural discomfort of fasting leads you to need lay down, that is not itself an exemption.

• Those who are exempt are technically permitted any kind of food or drink, though avoiding excessive or particularly delicious dishes would befit the day.

The period from the breaching of the walls, to the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash (on the 9th of Av) is known as The Three Weeks, in which we practice a number of widespread minhagim (customs) of mourning.  

• Since Shabbat is the 17th of Tammuz, a few of the customs begin then, and all of the customs are in effect as of Saturday night, even though the fast has yet to begin.

• Our Sages teach that it is wise to avoid dangerous activities (e.g. bungee jumping, non-critical surgery) and important decisions (business deals, court cases) during this time.

• Dance / Music - Celebratory dance is forbidden during this time. Included in the custom is a prohibition on listening to music. Most Poskim include recorded music in this category, while others only include live music, which is inherently of a more festive nature. Some who permit recorded music distinguish between neutral or sorrowful melodies, and joyful songs that might reasonably be classified as “dance music”. 

• Haircuts / Shaving - Ashkenazim and some Sefardim forbid haircuts during this time. Many include beard-shaving in this custom; some permit shaving before Shabbat; others do not include shaving in the custom at all.  If important for one’s business life, shaving is permitted.

• Shehecheyanu - In the last centuries, a medieval custom became solidified to avoid situations in which the Shehecheyanu blessing is recited, as it seems inappropriate to thank God for “bringing us to these days”.  Common settings include: eating a new fruit, buying a significant piece of clothing, making a large purchase for non-business use (new car, laptop, home).   

• Weddings / Engagements - Ashkenazim and most Sefardim do not get married during this time, nor hold large engagement parties.

• Restrictions on recreation, swimming, eating meat, laundry, bathing, remodelling projects begin during the last nine days of this period, beginning Friday, July 13th. 

Halakhic Guide to the Nine Days

“When the Month of Av begins, we minimize our joy” (Mishna, Taanit 4:6).  With each day bringing us closer to Tisha b’Av -- the day on which the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed -- we enter a more somber, mournful time of the year. The period from the first of Av through the ninth (Tisha B’av) is known as the Nine Days, in which we practice a number of widespread minhagim (customs) of intensified mourning, beyond what is practiced during the first part of the Three Weeks. The Nine Days begin Thursday evening August 1st and end Sunday evening August 11th, at the conclusion of the Tisha B’av fast.

• The Three Weeks mandates limits on dance and music, haircuts and shaving, weddings and engagements, and “Shehechyanu” purchases. These remain in place during the Nine Days. For more information on these restrictions, see last week’s Shmooze.

• Shabbos Exception - The Nine Days restrictions do not apply on Shabbat, a day on which signs of public mourning are forbidden and private mourning customs are discouraged.

• Meat / Wine - Eating meat and drinking wine are both forbidden during this period. The restriction includes grape juice, as well as dishes cooked with small amounts of meat ingredients. 

  • Havdala on August 3rd should preferably be made on grape juice instead of wine and, if a child between 5 and Bnei Mitzvah is present, many have them drink it, instead of an adult.

  • If invited to a Mitzvah celebration (e.g. Bris Milah, Siyum) one can enjoy eat and wine.

• Laundry - Wearing freshly laundered clothing, doing laundry, and sending laundry/dry clean out is forbidden during this time.  This custom also includes tablecloths, bedsheets, and towels. It also includes knitting or sewing new clothing (e.g. Kipot). 

  • As such, one should only wear clothing that has been worn at least once prior to the Nine Days. 

  • The prohibition regarding wearing does not include socks and undergarments. If necessary, one can even launder socks and undergarments during this time.

  • Children’s clothing, which frequently stains, can be laundered and re-worn. 

  • Laundry for someone not feeling well and for guests requiring new sheets is permitted.

• Bathing - Bathing for comfort and pleasure is forbidden during this time and as a result, the long held Ashkenazi custom was to not bathe at all during this period. Today, where frequent bathing is a point of hygiene and not comfort, anyone who knows they will be uncomfortable (or will make others uncomfortable) should bathe. It should be limited to the time (e.g. brief) and temperature (e.g. warmish) that prevent it from being a luxurious experience. 

• Fun Purchases - One should avoid purchasing decorative, exciting, and non-routine items. Even for more necessary items (a large grocery run), it is preferable to schedule that shopping to be outside the Nine Days. 

  • If one will lose out on a substantial sale or costs will soon rise, such purchases are permitted.

  • Purchases for Mitzvah purposes (Tefillin, items for a Mitzvah celebration) are permitted.

• Exciting Activities - One should avoid vacations, trips, and fun activities during this time. When imbued with a strong educational or health goal, they are permitted. For example, a pool party would be forbidden; swimming for exercise or training is permitted, even if the experience is also recreational and enjoyable.

• Beautification Projects - It is forbidden to do home renovation projects during this time or to plant a recreational garden.  This would include installing new cabinets, drapes, repainting walls, or renovating a space. Adding on a room because of space needs or to prevent any kind of danger is permitted.