The Fast of the Seventeenth of Tamuz vol. 4, no. 23
The fast of the Seventeenth of Tamuz begins at daybreak. The fast of the Seventeenth of Tamuz commemorates the breaking of the first Tablets which Moses brought down from Mount Sinai, the cessation of the daily offerings during the First Temple, the beginning of the destruction of Jerusalem during the Second Temple, the burning of a Sefer Torah by the Romans, and the placing of idols in the Temple. The fast day begins the three week period of mourning leading up to the fast of Tishah B’av.
Maimonides tells us that the purpose of a fast day is not to wallow in self affliction, but rather to stir our hearts towards the path of repentance, leading us to improve our ways. By recalling the transgressions which allowed the terrible events of the past to take place, we set ourselves on the path to rectify the errors of our forefathers.
All adults are obligated to fast on the Seventeenth of Tamuz. However, pregnant or nursing women who experience discomfort are exempt. A person who is ill is also exempt, and he is prohibited from fasting. One who is exempt from fasting should not indulge in delectables. Rather he should only eat according to his immediate need. Children, who are not obligated to fast, should be trained to be sensitive towards the mood of the day and eat only simple foods according to their needs.
One is permitted to wash, annoint oneself, and wear leather shoes on this fast day.
In the morning service the chazan adds the blessing Aneinu between the blessings of Re’ei and Refaeinu. In the afternoon service each individual who is fasting adds Aneinu in the blessing Shma Kolleinu. One need not repeat the Sh’moneh Esreh if he forgot to add Aneinu. In the afternoon service the blessing Sim Shalom is said in place of Shalom Rav.
In the morning and afternoon service we read the Torah portion beginning Vaichal Moshe (Exodus 32;11-14; 34:1-10). In the afternoon service the portion from Isaiah (55:6-56:8) is recited as the Haftarah.
The fast concludes with nightfall.
Dear Halacha On-Line
readers,
As many of you may already know, the Kollel is in the midst of a Matching Funds
Campaign. In an effort to eliminate some cash-flow problems, several of our supporters
have pooled together $25,000 and have offered to match each donation, and even every
pledge, made toward this campaign! With help from Hashem we have experienced a
wonderful communal response and almost $20,000 has already been raised in donations and
pledges. But we need your help in order to meet our important goal! Remember, your $100
pledge brings the Kollel $200, $50 gives us $100, etc. Any donation, big or small, will be
doubly appreciated.
Donations may be sent directly to the Kollel at 3732 Dempster, Skokie, IL
60076. Pledges or credit card donations may be called in to 847-674-7959.
Thanking you in
advance and wishing you Good Shabbos,
The Kollel Toras Chesed faculty
