Shiva Asar B'Tammuz - Fast of the 17th of Tammuz

1 Table of Contents

2 Fast of the 17^th of Tammuz Schedule. 2

3 Movie Yizkereim – June 29^th 7PM CST – Room #147. 2

4 The "Three Weeks" by Rabbi Shraga Simmons with the help of Rabbi Moshe Lazerus. 4

4.1 ASPECTS OF MOURNING DURING THE THREE WEEKS. 4

5 THE NINE DAYS. 4

6 Overview and laws of the period leading up to Tisha B'Av. 5

2 Fast of the 17^th of Tammuz Schedule

Tuesday June 29	JCAA ECP Building Room # 147
Fast  Begins	5:06 AM
Shacharis	6:45 AM
Daf Yomi	8:00 AM
Fast Ends	9:11 PM
Mincha	8:15 PM
Three Weeks Program
Yizkereim: Remember Them	7:00 PM

3 Movie Yizkereim – June 29^th 7PM CST – Room #147

On Shiva Asar B'Tammuz Tuesday June 29 we will screen "Sh'eiris Hapleitah", the presentation of the inspirational narrative of the concentration camps survivors after their liberation and their early existence in the Displaced Persons camps at 7:00pm in Room #147. The film focuses on the tremendous resilience of the survivors in rebuilding their shattered lives and rekindling Yiddishkeit.
Presented in conjunction with The Rabbi Leib Geliebter Memorial Foundation in conjunction with Zechor Yemos Olam of Torah Umesorah.

4 The "Three Weeks" by Rabbi Shraga Simmons with the help of Rabbi Moshe Lazerus

The "Three Weeks" between the 17th of Tammuz and the Tisha B'Av have historically been days of misfortune and calamity for the Jewish people. During this time, both the First and Second Temples were destroyed, amongst other terrible tragedies.
These days are referred to as the period "within the straits" (bein hametzarim), in accordance with the verse: "all her oppressors have overtaken her within the straits" (Lamentations 1:3).
On Shabbat during the Three Weeks, the Haftorahs are taken from chapters in Isaiah and Jeremiah dealing with the Temple's destruction and the exile of the Jewish people.
During this time, various aspects of mourning are observed by the entire nation. We minimize joy and celebration. And, since the attribute of Divine judgment ("din") is acutely felt, we avoid potentially dangerous or risky endeavors.

4.1 ASPECTS OF MOURNING DURING THE THREE WEEKS

No weddings are held. (However, engagement ceremonies are permitted.)

We do not listen to music.

We avoid all public celebrations -- especially those which involve singing, dancing and musical accompaniment.

We avoid pleasure trips or other unusually entertaining activities.

No haircuts or shaving. (Fingernails may be clipped up until the week in which Tisha B'Av falls.)

We do not say the blessing She-hechianu on new food or clothes, except on Shabbat.

5 THE NINE DAYS

The period commencing with Rosh Chodesh Av is called the "Nine Days." During this time, a stricter level of mourning is observed, in accordance with the Talmudic dictum (Ta'anit 26): "When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy."
(1) We avoid purchasing any items that bring great joy.
(2) We suspend home improvements, or the planting of trees and flowers.
(3) We avoid litigation with non-Jews, since fortune is inauspicious at this time.
(4) We abstain from the consumption of meat (including poultry) and wine. These foods are symbolic of the Temple service, and are generally expressions of celebration and joy.

On Shabbat, meat and wine are permitted. This applies also to any other seuduat mitzvah -- for example, at a Brit Milah or at the completion of a tractate of Talmud.

Wine from Havdallah should be given to a child to drink.

(5) We refrain from wearing newly laundered garments, or laundering any clothes.

If the "freshness" has been taken out of a garment prior to the Nine Days, it may be worn.

Fresh clothes may be worn for Shabbat.

The clothing of small children, which gets soiled frequently, may be laundered during the Nine Days.

Clothes may not be laundered even if done in preparation for after Tisha B'Av, or even if done by a non-Jew.

(6) We do not bathe for pleasure.

It is permitted to bathe in order to remove dirt or perspiration, or for medical reasons. This may be done only in cool water.

Furthermore, the body should be washed in parts, rather than all at one time.

Bathing in warm water is permitted on Friday in honor of Shabbat.

with thanks to Rabbi Moshe Lazerus

6 Overview and laws of the period leading up to Tisha B'Av.

Rabbi Shraga Simmons

http://www.aish.com/h/9av/oal/48943916.html

Rabbi Shraga Simmons spent his childhood trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He is the senior editor of Aish.com and the director of JewishPathways.com. He is also regarded as an expert on media bias relating to the Middle East conflict, and was the founding editor of HonestReporting.com. Rabbi Simmons lives with his wife and children in the Modi''in region of Israel.