The Three Weeks - also known as "bein hametzarim" -- "between the strictures" -- is an annual mourning period that occurs in the summer. It begins on the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, a fast day which marks the day when the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans. It reaches its climax and concludes with the fast of the 9th of Av, the day when we mourn the destruction of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem, as well as many other tragic events that occurred on this day.
During this time we mourn the destruction of the Temples and the long and bitter exile -- both physical and spiritual -- which we our nation has experienced for the past 2,000 years.
There are various mourning-related customs and observances that are followed during this period. The mourning, and associated observances, intensify during the final "Nine Days" of the Three Weeks. Click here for a comprehensive Three Weeks how-to guide.
For the history behind the Three Weeks, as well as insight, essays, and much more, please visit our Three Weeks section.
Our sages tell us that those who mourn the destruction of Jerusalem will merit seeing it rebuilt with the coming of the Messiah. May that day come soon, and then all the mournful dates on the calendar will be transformed into days of tremendous joy and happiness.
Chani Benjaminson,
Chabad.org
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