The Adams Street Shul

Written by Rabbi Norbert Weinberg The Hebrew month of Tammuz has begun with its portent of the summer, accompanied by the beautiful revival of nature in all its splendor. Yet there is a sad historical note for us because on the 17th day of this month, which is a fast day, a three week period begins which culminates in Tisha B'Av, the saddest day in our calendar, the day on which both Holy Temples were destroyed.

Our annual cycle has six fast days, all of which commemorate an aspect of our exile.  Let me summarize them in a short review:

ASARA B-TEVET (the Tenth Day of Tevet) – This is the day on which the siege of Jerusalem began. It is a very sad day because it marked the beginning of our exile, which is still current.
SHIVA ASAR B-TAMUZ (the 17th day of Tammuz) – A number of tragic events occurred on this day, including the breach of the walls of Jerusalem, which culminated in the fall of the city.
TISHA B-AV (the 9th day of Av) – The saddest day of the year, on which many disasters happened to our people, including the destructions of both Holy Temples.
TZOM GEDALIAH – The Fast of Gedaliah, which marks the assassination of Gedaliah, the last governor of Israel. His death brought an end to Jewish self-rule.

Please make a note:  The Fast of Tammuz is on Tuseday, June 29th.  The Fast begins at 3:15am.  It ends at 9:00pm.

May our sincere mourning and fasting for past tragedies speedily cause our redemption to take place.