While the Jewish summer started 17 days ago with the advent of the month of Tamuz, that’s not really why folks like me remember Tamuz.
(Last night was a full moon- in America, it’s called the strawberry moon. Normally, full [and no-]moon periods set out ritual days. But, this one- results from a calamity- chosen by an enemy. So, there is no link to the moon’s status.)
Nope. Tonight (since all Jewish ‘days’ start at night, since the Tora says “there was evening, there was morning, one day”) begins the fast day of the 17th of Tamuz. Why?
Because some 1952 years ago, the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem. Within 3 weeks, the entire city of Jerusalem would be destroyed (yet again on the 9th of Av, which was the day the Babylonians destroyed the Great Temple in the year 423 BCE- among many other calamities that befell the Jews on the 9th of Av).
Just a few years prior, to protect themselves against such an invasion, the Jews erected a third wall around the holy city. (This third wall was excavated by archaeologists some 5 years ago, within the Russian compound section of Jerusalem.) But, even the three walls weren’t enough to deter the Romans who wanted revenge.
(Maybe now is a good time to consider the siege of the Jews at Matzada, Overlooking the Dead Sea [or the Salt Sea], this had been Herod’s Southern Palace. When the last of the rebels against Rome absconded to this redoubt, the Romans were so determined for revenge that they spent two years erecting a ramp to attack and capture the remaining 900 or so rebels. [Except when the Romans breached, all they found were dead rebels. They killed each other in a suicide pact to prevent the Romans from capturing a soul.])
Tonight begins the period of “Three Weeks”. There are three weeks that the siege continued until the Great Temple was destroyed on the 9th of Av. This period of mourning precludes all weddings, listening to music, and for Ashkenazi Jews there are no haircuts or shaves allowed. [Sfardim only preclude haircuts and shaves the week of Tisha B’Av.]
Interesting history, as always!!
Honored by your comments, Kate!
Interesting history but I’m wondering why haircuts and shaves aren’t allowed.
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During mourning, adjusting (improving) one’s physical appearance is considered to be untoward, Martha.
Your history of explaining These past events is always very interesting. Thanks
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Thank you so much, Chef William!
Thank you for the history lesson!
Glad to oblige, Marcia.
I have never visited Israel but I know people who have, and have visited Matzada and walked the Snake Path. I know this is a place you must see in person to really understand the events you speak of. I was a little – amazed? to find out that one tour group gives a tour that includes a yoga practice at the top of the mountain? Not sure how I felt about that.
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Yoga on top of Matzada. Obviously, Israel has a different set of regulatory rules than does the USA.
Great post and informative too. I am glad that you described the date and its importance through the history.
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Honored by your visit and your comment.