Prepared By:
Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking – Ohr Halacha
Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi – Ohr Halacha
The fast of Shiva Asar (17th) B’Tamuz, commences the three-week mourning period known as Bein Hametzarim. During these three weeks, we mourn the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash, slowly increasing our outward display of mourning and culminating with Tisha B’av.
Five things happened on the 17th of Tamuz that we commemorate and mourn with our fasting:
- The first Luhot were broken.
- On this day they were no longer able to bring the korban tamid (the daily morning and afternoon sacrifice) leading up to the destruction of the first Bet Hamikdash.
- The city was surrounded and placed under siege before the destruction of the second Bet Hamikdash.
- Apustomos, a Greek minister, burnt the Torah.
- An idol was placed in the Hechal of the Bet Hamikdash. (According to some this was also done by Apustomus. Others say this was done by King Menashe during the times of the first Bet Hamikdash).
Fasting encourages us to reflect on the sins which brought about these calamities, thus inspiring us to do teshuva. It is proper to give tzedakah on a ta’anit. Some say that one should give the cost of the amount of food that he would have eaten.
Note: The following halachot apply only to Shiva Asar B’Tamuz and other fast days, however, not to Tisha B’av or Yom Kippur.
WHO IS REQUIRED TO FAST?
Both men and women, above the age of bar/bat mitzvah, are required to fast. Women who are pregnant or nursing, are exempt from fasting. If a woman is within thirty days after giving birth, even if she is not actively nursing, she also does not fast.
I HAVE A HEADACHE; CAN I BREAK MY FAST?
One who is experiencing a headache should continue to fast. If one feels they cannot fast, a Rabbi should be consulted to decide on a case-by-case basis.
CAN I TAKE TYLENOL OR ADVIL?
One may swallow the pill without water, provided that it doesn’t have a good-tasting coating. If one is unable to swallow without water, one is permitted to use a tiny bit of water to aid in swallowing the pill.
CAN I BRUSH MY TEETH OR USE MOUTHWASH?
One who is accustomed to brushing or using mouthwash every morning is permitted to do so, provided that the amount of water put in their mouth at one time is less than a revi’it (~75ml). One should keep their head facing down to ensure no water is swallowed.
I ACCIDENTALLY MADE A BERACHA, SHOULD I EAT A LITTLE SO THE BERACHA IS NOT IN VAIN?
According to some, one should not eat even a small amount, rather they should recite – “ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם ועד”. Hacham Ovadia was of the opinion, that since making a beracha in vain is a uniquely severe prohibition, one should eat a tiny amount so the beracha will not be in vain. Afterward, one should continue their fast, and Anienu would still be recited in the Amidah.
HOW DO I KNOW THE FOOD I’M COOKING IS SEASONED PROPERLY?
One is allowed to taste a small amount, up to a revi’it (~75ml) of liquid or up to a k’zayit (~1 oz.) of solid food, on condition that it is spit out and none of it is swallowed. When tasting the food, a beracha is not recited. Even on a non-fast day, if one is tasting food solely to see if it is seasoned properly, a beracha is not recited.
CAN I CHEW GUM?
Chewing gum on a fast day is not permitted. Although the gum itself is not swallowed, the flavoring and sweetness are.
MAY ONE WHO IS NOT FASTING GET AN ALIYAH?
One who is not fasting may not get an Aliyah on a fast day. If the fast is on a Monday or Thursday then he may get an Aliyah only in the morning.