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On July 23, join the Jewish community worldwide in observing the poignant Fast of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz. This day holds significant historical and spiritual significance dating back to biblical times and is traditionally observed as a day of fasting and introspection. The Fast of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz marks the beginning of a three-week mourning period leading up to Tisha B’Av and commemorates the breaching of Jerusalem's walls by the Babylonians in 587 BCE, which led to the destruction of the First Temple. It's a time for reflection, prayer, and connecting with ancient Jewish traditions. An insightful and powerful occasion, it's a unique opportunity to delve deep into the rich tapestry of Jewish history and spirituality.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>587 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Jerusalem Walls Breached</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Babylonians breach the walls of Jerusalem leading to the ultimate destruction of the First Temple, a tragic event marked by the Fast of Shiva Asar B'Tammuz.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>70 CE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Second Temple Destroyed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Second Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed by the Romans on Tisha B’Av, marking the end of the three-week mourning period that begins with Shiva Asar B'Tammuz.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1200s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Written Accounts</div><div class='timeline-text'>Early written accounts referring to the Fast of Shiva Asar B'Tammuz begin to appear in various Jewish texts and scriptures.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Codification of Jewish Laws</div><div class='timeline-text'>Rabbi Joseph Karo compiles the Shulchan Aruch, a significant codification of Jewish laws, outlining the observance of the Fast of Shiva Asar B'Tammuz.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Post-Holocaust Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following WWII, the Fast of Shiva Asar B'Tammuz takes on additional significance as a time of collective mourning and reflection in the Jewish community.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Observance Worldwide</div><div class='timeline-text'>Observed annually around July 23rd, the Fast of Shiva Asar B'Tammuz continues to be a revered day of solemn reflection in Jewish communities worldwide.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Embark on a spiritual journey</h3><p class='facts-text'>During this Fast, many engage in introspective reflection and prayer. Set aside quiet time at home or visit a local synagogue to meditate and connect deeper with your faith.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Read scriptural accounts</h3><p class='facts-text'>Treat this day as an opportunity to read the historical accounts of the breaching of Jerusalem's walls in biblical texts. This will provide a deeper understanding of the Fast's significance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Engage in communal prayers</h3><p class='facts-text'>This day is typically observed with communal prayers at the synagogue. Attending these prayers can be a powerful experience as you unite with other faithfuls in common purpose and reflection.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Share a pre-fast meal with loved ones</h3><p class='facts-text'>Before dawn, share a meal with your family or friends. This can strengthen bonds and offer mutual support as you prepare to fast.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to a charity</h3><p class='facts-text'>Charity is a central pillar of Jewish life. Use this day as an opportunity to give back to the community by donating to a cause that aligns with your values.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It connects us to Jewish history and spirituality</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Fast of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz holds deep historical and spiritual significance for Jewish people worldwide. It's a day to remember an important event from Biblical times - the breaching of Jerusalem's walls - and to recognize the resilience of the Jewish people. It offers a unique opportunity to explore Jewish history and deepen one's spirituality.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It’s a chance for introspection and prayer</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Fast provides a time for reflection, prayer, and the strengthening of one's faith. It encourages introspection and prayer that allows individuals to embark on a spiritual journey, deepening their connection with their beliefs and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity in the Jewish community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The communal prayers observed on this day help bring the Jewish community closer together. The fasting and sharing of a pre-fast meal foster mutual support among family and friends. This practice strengthens the bonds within the Jewish community and encourages a sense of unity.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Shiva Asar B’Tammuz is Considered a "Minor Fast"</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Jewish tradition, the Fast of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz is classified as a "minor fast," meaning it lasts from sunrise to sunset, as opposed to a "major fast" which extends from one sunset to the next.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Customarily, Five Tragic Events Occurred On This Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>It's believed that aside from the breaching of Jerusalem's walls, four other events in Jewish history took place on this day, including Moses breaking the tablets when he saw the Israelites worshiping the Golden Calf.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Eating and Drinking are not the Only Prohibitions of the Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Other restrictions during the fast include not washing or bathing for pleasure, not wearing leather shoes, and abstaining from marital relations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It's a Day of Public Mourning Yet Positive Actions are Encouraged</h3><p class='facts-content'>While it's a day of public mourning, doing acts of kindness and studying Torah (except for joyous parts) are encouraged, emphasizing the concept of finding hope during sorrow.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Date Can Shift in Leap Years</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Hebrew calendar leap years, when an additional month is added, the Fast of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz is observed in the fourth month, not the third.</p></div></div>
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