The 17th of Tammuz fast falls on Shabbos and is deflected to Sunday, July 24, 2016. The taanis starts early Sunday morning at dawn and concludes Sunday evening at nightfall.
Because the taanis is a
nidcha
(deflected), certain leniencies are triggered. Do not hesitate to contact the Rabbi to determine your fasting status.
Please refer to the timetable above for exact start/end times.
Men over 13 and women over 12 must fast on the 17th of Tammuz.
Pregnant or nursing women who find it difficult to fast (or generally feel weak) are absolved from fasting. The elderly and sick are permitted to eat on this fast day.
On may rinse with Listerine/mouthwash on the fast of 17th of Tammuz.
One is permitted to take medication (preferably without water) on the fast day. If water is needed, consult a competent Rav/halachic authority.
Washing, bathing and showering are permitted on the 17th of Tammuz.
LAWS OF THE THREE WEEKS
The three week period of mourning called,
"bein hamitzarim,"
begin Saturday night, the 17th of Tammuz.
"
Hamitzarim
" means difficult or painful, and references the time period between the historically tragic 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av.
This period of collective soul searching commemorates the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem, the disruption of Jewish kingship and am yisroel's long exile. According to seforim, it's an appropriate time to do teshuvah.
To help recall these events and to encourage yearning for the third bais hamikdash, our sages imposed restrictions on joyous events and limited certain pleasurable activities during this period.
These restrictions intensify over the three weeks, culminating with the fast of Tisha B'av.
The following are general rules for the three weeks. As we approach Shabbos Chazon and Tisha B'av, we will present those relevant laws in a separate halachic primer.
One may not marry during the three weeks. However, one may get "engaged" and even throw a party to celebrate his/her engagement.
We refrain from listening to live music. Taped music is included in this prohibition, according to many poskim. Small children may listen to music and a supervising parent may be present. Background music in a store or played during radio commercials are likewise permitted.
We do not haircut or shave during this period. If one needs to haircut or shave for "livelihood" purposes, a Rabbi should be consulted. Cutting nails is permitted.
We refrain from reciting the shechiyanu blessing during the three weeks on clothing or food. However, one may purchase new items and delay usage or consumption until after Tisha B'av.
The shechiyanu blessing may be recited on shabbos chazon or rosh chodesh during the three week period.
If a new food item will prove unavailable, one may recite the shechiyanu and consume the food even on a weekday.
May we merit to witness the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the ingathering of the exile speedily in our day! Amen.
