Fast of Tammuz 2023: Date, History, Facts about Jerusalem

This year, the Fast of Tammuz falls on July 6, the 17th day of Tammuz in the fourth Hebrew month. It is a Jewish fast day commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem’s fortifications. In addition, it represents the beginning of The Three Weeks, a commemorative period commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temple. The Fast of Tammuz commemorates five catastrophes that occurred on this date, including the destruction of the two stone tablets and the Torah.

The background of Fast of Tammuz

The Fast of Tammuz, also known as the Seventeenth of Tammuz or Shivah Asar b’Tamuz, is observed on the 17th day of Tammuz, the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is a minor fast (ta’anit) that lasts from dawn until dusk, during which participants abstain from food and drink, including water. If the date occurs on Shabbat, it is moved to the 18th of the following month. On this fasting day, adults in good health must fast. Women who are pregnant or nursing are exempt from fasting, and those who are ailing or weak should consult a rabbi.

The Rabbis designated this day as a day of fasting to commemorate the fall of Jerusalem’s fortifications. Four additional catastrophes occurred on the seventeenth day of Tamuz. Moses, enraged by the worship of a golden calf, broke the two tablets of the Ten Commandments revealed to him on Mount Sinai; the priests stopped offering daily sacrifices due to a lack of sheep during the siege of Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon; Apostomus publicly burned the Torah, and an idol was placed in the Holy Temple.

The Fast of Tammuz signifies the commencement of The Three Weeks, a period of mourning commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The Three Weeks commence on the seventeenth day of Tammuz and end on the ninth day of Av, the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar, on Tisha B’Av, exactly three weeks later. During The Three Weeks, some individuals refrain from listening to music, attending public entertainment, getting married, and cutting or shaving their hair.

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5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT JERUSALEM

The name ‘Jerusalem’ is said to derive from the Semitic word ‘Urusalim,’ which means ‘Foundation of Shalem (wholeness)’ or ‘Foundation of God.’

Jerusalem was designated the capital of the Jewish kingdom by King David in 1000 B.C.

In the year 30 A.D., Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem.

It is believed that the Islamic prophet Muhammad ascended to paradise from Jerusalem.

Natalie Portman, an Oscar-winning actress, was born in Jerusalem.

FAST OF TAMMUZ DATES

Year	Date	Day
2022	July 17	Sunday
2023	July 6	Thursday
2024	July 23	Tuesday
2025	July 13	Sunday
2026	July 2	Thursday