Living Torah Archives

The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day that marks the beginning of a period of mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem. But as a matter of fact, this day bore tragedy for Jews even before the walls of Jerusalem were breached. Indeed, there are famously five tragic events which befell the Jewish people on this day. It’s strange then, that so much emphasis is put on the Jerusalem walls.

During the Mincha services on the 17th of Tammuz, the Rebbe is called to the Torah and recites the haftorah.

The Rebbe recites the Haftorah for fast days during the afternoon prayers.

When Maimonides discusses the biblical commandment to build a Sanctuary for G-d, he quotes the verse “Build for me a Holy Temple.” Accordingly, he should have called the section of his code that deals with the Temple “Laws of the Holy Temple.” Why does he instead call them “Laws of the Chosen House”?

17 Tammuz, 5743 · June 28, 1983
In Jewish tradition, a communal fast day is an auspicious time On High. This Divine favor then manifests itself in this world below, and can be intensified by man’s deeds. Maimonides writes that fasting is one of the paths of repentance, and hastens G-d’s promise: “These fast days will be transformed into days of joy and festivity.”

Watch how the Rebbe reads the special Haftarah on the 17th of Tammuz.

The Rebbe is called to the Torah on the 17th of Tammuz fast day. The Rebbe speaks after the prayers: "May these days been transformed into days of joy with the immediate Redemption!"