Guide to the Three Weeks 5786
Guide to the Three Weeks 5786
The three weeks from the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av are a period of national mourning for the Jewish people. During this period, we commemorate numerous tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history. We will review the appropriate laws and practices relevant to this period:
Fast of 17 Tammuz – Thursday, July 2nd
Guide to the Three Weeks 5786
Background
The Sages tell us that 5 tragedies occurred on the 17th of Tammuz, the most notable being that the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem, leading to the eventual destruction of the city and the second Temple (Taanit 26a). As such, it is a fast day. This year, the fast begins at 3:59am, and ends at 9:05pm.
Guide to the Three Weeks 5786
Restrictions
- Since it is a minor fast, restrictions consist only of not eating or drinking.
- One may still bathe, anoint, wear leather shoes, and engage in marital relations. Additionally, one may eat and drink the preceding night (Shulchan Aruch OC 550:2).
- One who will be bothered by not brushing their teeth, may do so on a minor fast day, but should be careful to not swallow any water (Mishnah Berurah 567:11, Minchat Yitzchak 4:109).
Who is Exempt from Fasting?
- Pregnant and nursing women need not fast (Rema OC 550:1).
- One who suffers from an illness that prevents from functioning as normal to the extent that they need to lie down, need not fast (Aruch HaShulchan OC 554:7).
- One who feels unusually weak need not fast, even if it doesn’t cause them to lie down (ibid.).
- It is common to feel side-effects while fasting, including slight weakness and headaches. One who feels such side effects still needs to fast. Only one who feels excessively weak may break their fast (ibid.). One who is unsure as to whether or not they should fast, should consult with Rabbi Rubin.
- One who is not fasting, including children, should still avoid eating delicacies and fancy foods, in order that they participate in mourning with the community (Mishnah Berurah 550:5).
Guide to the Three Weeks 5786
Laws of the Three Weeks
Beginning from the night preceding the 17th of Tammuz (the night of Wednesday, July 1st), the following restrictions apply:
- We do not get haircuts or shave (Rema OC 551:4). One who needs to shave for work, may do so (Igrot Moshe OC 4:102).
- One may cut their nails, at least until the week in which Tisha B’Av falls (Taz OC 551:13).
- We do not get married (Rema 551:2).
- We refrain from listening to both live and recorded music that invokes joy and festivity. One who plays an instrument for a living may do so until the end of Tammuz (Pri Megadim EA 551:10; Halichot Shlomo Bein HaMetzarim 14:3 and Dvar Halacha 5).
- Music that one listens to for a functional purpose, such as background music for an activity, is permissible (Halichot Shlomo Bein HaMetzarim 14:5). And one may certainly listen to music that invokes sadness (based on Shabbat 151a).
- We do not say the blessing of Shehechiyanu (Shulchan Aruch OC 551:17). Therefore, we avoid situations that will necessitate the recitation of Shehechiyanu, such as eating a new fruit and wearing a new significant garment (Mishnah Berurah 551:99).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me: rabbirubin@nhbz.org
May we merit to see the redemption soon,
Rabbi Rubin
