Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- The Three Weeks
from 17 Tamuz - 9 Av, commemorating the breach of
Jerusalem & the eventual destruction of the city
& both the 1st & 2nd Batei Mikdash. Other
tragedies which also occurred on the 17th of
Tamuz include the breaking by Moshe of the 1st
set of Luchot & the suspension of the daily
offerings in the Bet HaMikdash. In order to limit
our Simcha during these 3 weeks, we do not have
weddings, we avoid live music, we do not take
haircuts; & we refrain from saying the
Shehecheyanu blessing on new fruits or clothes
(except on Shabbat). All types of food & drink
may be eaten until the 9 Days, when mourning
intensifies & we then refrain from eating meat &
wine. Engagements, however, are allowed in the 3
Weeks, as are all Seudot Mitzvot (e.g. brit,
Pidyon Ha-ben) with full meals. Tuesday’s fast
begins (in Ra’anana) at 4:27 am & ends at 8:04
pm. May we see the Bet HaMikdash rebuilt in our
days! (Note: Above is the Ashkenaz custom).
TORAH TRIVIA: We asked what the Para Aduma,
Pesach Sheni & kashering utensils have in common:
All are called a "Chok" by the Torah, though they may not be "unknowable."
The Minor Fasts and Their Laws
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | tamoz 5761
7. Reciting She-heheyanu During the Three Weeks
Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Cheshvan 19 5782
Explaining the Other Laws of the Three Weeks
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Av 2 5768
