Reprinted from Rabbi Yossi Michalowicz

1. The Talmud teaches us that five tragic events occurred on the 17th of Tammuz, the most notable being that: a.) The tablets, containing the Ten Commandments, were destroyed; and b.) The walls of the city of Jerusalem were breached, leading to the destruction of the Second Temple. To commemorate these tragic events, the Jewish people observe this day as a fast day. In addition, the custom developed to observe some mourning practices from this day until Tisha B’av. 

2. The 17th of Tammuz is observed this year of 5775 on Saturday evening and Sunday of July 23 - 24. The fast begins Sunday morning at 4:46 A.M. and ends at 9:41 P.M. One who finds it difficult to fast may eat at 9:31 P.M. The purpose of a fast day is to stir our hearts in order that we utilize the paths of Teshuva, returning to Hashem, and to serve as a reminder to us of our own actions and those of our forefathers. These mistaken actions are responsible for the terrible events, which befell our people. Remembering these tragedies should lead us to examine our conduct and return to Hashem. 

3. One should not mistakenly assume that the abstinence from food and drink alone fulfills the requirement and purpose of a fast day. The true purpose of a fast day must be evidenced in one’s improved deeds. 

4. Pregnant and nursing women are not required to fast, if they find it difficult. 

5. A person who is ill or suffering is not required to fast – even if there is no fear of danger to health. 

6. One is permitted to eat before the fast, provided that one explicitly states before going to sleep that he/she plans to wake up early to eat before the fast begins. 

7. Although it is permitted to bathe, it has become customary not to take a hot shower or bathe for pleasure. [One may certainly bathe or shower if one is dirty / perspired.] 

8. It is proper for adults to refrain from swimming, unless it is needed for a medical condition or to cool off on a hot day. [Minors, however, may swim.] 

9. One is permitted to rinse one’s mouth, provided that you only rinse the front part of the mouth, taking care that no liquid enters the throat area. One should make sure to rinse with less than 3.3 fl.oz. of liquid at a time. [There is a stringent view that permits this only when in distress.] 

10. You may take medications prescribed by a doctor. One, who has difficulty swallowing pills without water, may drink the amount of water required to swallow them. 

11. When suffering from a severe headache, etc., aspirin or Tylenol, etc., may be taken. One may drink water as described above in #10. 

12. There are other restrictions that begin on this day, as it begins the period of the three weeks. This will be discussed later on. 

13. During the reading of the Torah on a fast day, the custom is that certain verses are read aloud by the congregation. The individual who is called up for that Aliya should not read the verses aloud with the congregation. Instead, he should wait until the reader says them aloud and read along with him. 

14. One who mistakenly ate on a fast day must resume and complete the fast. He may say the Aneinu insertion during the Mincha Amida. 

15. One, who is not fasting altogether, should not say Aneinu. 

16. We add the Avinu Malkeinu prayer for Shacharis and Mincha, even when praying alone at home without a Minyan. 

Laws of the Three Weeks: 

1. Although the Talmud mentions that the mourning of the Tisha B’av season begins on the first day of the month of Av, the accepted custom amongst Ashkenazic Jews is to begin mourning from the 17th of Tamuz. 

2. There are different levels of mourning in terms of restrictions, with the mourning intensifying as we get closer to Tisha B’av: ➢ From the 17th of Tamuz ➢ From the 1st of Av ➢ The week that Tisha B’av falls [i.e. from the Sat. night before Tisha B’av] ➢ Tisha B’av 2 

3. We do not make weddings during the three weeks. 

4. It is permitted to celebrate an engagement with a festive meal during the three weeks, provided there is no music and dancing. From Rosh Chodesh [1st of Av] one should only serve light refreshments. 

5. Dancing on weekdays is prohibited during the three weeks. 

6. Generally speaking, it is prohibited to shave or get a haircut during the three weeks. 

7. It is permitted to trim one’s mustache if it interferes with eating. 

8. If one shaves daily, one may shave during the Three Weeks if one may lose one’s job or may lose customers because one does not shave. However, if the only concern is that people will make fun of him, one is not permitted to shave. 

9. Shaving is prohibited during the week that Tisha B’av falls, even if one suffers financial loss. 

10. Adults may not give minor children a haircut during the week that Tisha B’av falls. There is a minority opinion that prohibits this for the entire Three Weeks. 

11. Women may not cut their hair during the Three Weeks. She may trim the hair on her temples, for the sake of modesty. A woman may tweeze her eyebrows and perform similar cosmetic activities. 

12. A Shaitel [wig] may be washed /cut or professionally cleaned and/or set during the Three Weeks - but not during the Nine Days. 

13. It is permitted to cut your fingernails during the Three Weeks. 

14. Playing or listening to music for enjoyment is prohibited during the Three Weeks. Listening to recorded music is also prohibited. Playing is permitted on a professional basis in order to make a living. 

15. It is not prohibited to hear background music, such as what one hears while waiting in a doctor’s office. 

16. It is permitted to take music lessons if the lessons are not for pleasure and there will be a loss of skill because of the time lost. The Kaf HaChayim writes: “Those who teach music during these days, should teach sad songs, and it would be even better if they did not teach any music at all.” 

17. There are opinions that permit singing during the weekdays. Everyone agrees that it is permitted to sing sad or moving songs, similar to what we sing on Tisha B’av. For that matter, one should only listen to recorded acappella music of sad or moving songs. 

18. One may not recite the Shehechiyanu blessing during the Three Weeks for purchases or new fruits. However, you may say it on Shabbat. 

19. Therefore, one should not purchase items during the Three Weeks that would require that blessing being said. [e.g. buying a new suit.] One may purchase new items that do not require a Shehechiyanu. [e.g. a pair of new shoes or underwear.] 

20. One should not purchase a car for pleasure or convenience until after the Three Weeks. One may purchase a car if it is for work; however, the Shehechiyanu blessing should not be recited until after the Three Weeks. 

21. You may purchase a necessary appliance, such as a refrigerator, washing machine or bed, to replace one that broke during the Three Weeks. 

22. One should not engage in dangerous activities during the Three Weeks. For this reason, some follow the practice not to schedule surgery during the 3 weeks, and certainly not during the 9 days, unless the doctor insists that it cannot medically be postponed. 

23. It is permitted to bathe, shower, or swim for pleasure until the 1st of Av. It is prohibited during the Nine Days. 

24. Although a parent should not strike one’s child at any time of the year, a parent should be extra cautious and refrain from striking one’s child during the Three Weeks. 

25. There are no mourning practices conducted on the Shabbos. 

26. One need not decrease business activity, construction, or planting until the Nine Days begin. 

© 2016 Rabbi Yossi Michalowicz