The Three Weeks: What We Refrain from and Why

From the 17th of Tammuz until the 9th of Av (23rd of July- 13th of August this year) we enter a special period of time called the Three Weeks.

Both of these Hebrew dates mentioned above are fast days. The former is a minor fast day and the latter, Tisha B'av in Hebrew, is one of two major fasts on the Jewish calendar (the other one is Yom Kippur). Minor fasts are from sunrise to nightfall and the only prohibitions are to not eat or drink, whereas major ones last 25 hours and involve additional prohibitions during this time, such as no leather shoes, no sexual relations, no bathing, and no creams (in addition to no eating and drinking).

The 17th of Tammuz marks the day that the walls around the city of Jerusalem were destroyed by the Romans in the year 70, leading to their invasion of the city and ultimately to its destruction three weeks later on Tisha B'av. Thus, the Three Weeks.

Because of this tragedy, which led to the exile of most Jews from the land of Israel, various mourning customs have been adopted during this period of time. They're similar to those followed during Sefirat Ha'omer (Counting of the Omer- from Passover until Shavuot), as well as those practiced when one's close relatives pass. This includes no celebrations, such as weddings, parties, and public celebrations, and no dancing, listening to music, and for some also playing musical instruments. Some also refrain from shaving and getting their hair cut.

These mourning customs become more stringent once the month of Av begins, in the final nine days of these 3 weeks. It is custom then to not drink wine or eat meat — except on Shabbat — to not do laundry, buy new clothes, or bathe beyond what is necessary (meaning to not go to the beach or pool for pleasure). Many also do not fly during this time or go on vacation.

This is all because this time is a period of tragedy and mourning for the Jewish people. Therefore, as it says in the Talmud, we are supposed to decrease our joy and remove any pleasures and enjoyment. That's especially difficult during summer vacation and therefore requires more work and intention.

When we decrease our joy, we are given an opportunity to reflect on Jewish history, the growth of our people as a nation throughout history, our tragedies and our victories, our divisiveness and our unity. We reflect on this towards the 9th of Av, the day that both temples were destroyed which has changed the people of Israel to this day.

Wishing you an easy fast and a meaningful Three Weeks.

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