Israel Observes Fast of 17th of Tammuz Marking Start of Three Weeks of Mourning

The fast of the 17th of Tammuz, observed this year on Thursday, marks the beginning of the "Three Weeks," a period of national mourning in Israel commemorating the destruction of the Jewish Temples. This fast day initiates the "Bein HaMetzarim" period, culminating in the fast of Tisha B'Av, which mourns the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

The fast is observed from dawn until nightfall, and due to its occurrence during the peak of summer, it is expected to be particularly long and hot this year. Specific fast times for major cities include Jerusalem (03:44 to 20:08), Tel Aviv (03:47 to 20:11), Haifa (03:42 to 20:17), Be'er Sheva (03:51 to 20:15), Gaza Strip (04:28 to 20:14), Lebanon (04:00 to 20:10), and Eilat (04:28 to 20:14).

Historically, the Mishnah in Tractate Taanit lists five national calamities that occurred on this day: Moses breaking the Tablets of the Covenant after the sin of the Golden Calf; the cessation of the daily offering in the First Temple due to siege; the breaching of Jerusalem's walls by the Romans during the Second Temple period, which led to the Temple's destruction three weeks later; the burning of the Torah by the Greek general Apostomus; and the placement of an idol in the Temple.

These events underscore the day's significance as a time of reflection and mourning for the Jewish people. The fast and the period of "Bein HaMetzarim" serve as a solemn remembrance of these tragedies and a call for spiritual introspection.