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This year the Fast of the 17th Tammuz will fall on June 29th, 2010. Temple Mount: After Bartlett, 1855 Why We Fast In Jewish tradition, the 17th of the Jewish month of Tammuz is a communal fast day that commemorates the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (586 BCE) and Titus (70 CE). It should be recalled that these breaks in the walls of the holy city of Jerusalem came after many months of siege in which the city's residents suffered extreme hardships, sickness and hunger. More Reasons to Mourn In addition to the calamity mentioned above, the Mishnah (Ta'anit 4:6) recounts four other tragedies that occurred on this day: The Tablets of the Law were broken by Moses when he descended the mountain and saw the Golden Calf. The daily offering ceased in the First Temple due to the shortage of sheep available during the siege. The heathen Apostomos burned the Torah during the period preceding the destruction of the Second Temple. During the period of Roman persecution, an idol was placed in the holy sanctuary of the Temple, an act that was an open blasphemy and desecration. The Fast of the Fourth Month There is another tradition in the Mishna that associates the 17th Tammuz with the fast mentioned by the prophet Zechariah as the "Fast of the Fourth Month" (see Ta'anit 4:8): According to this interpretation, the 17th Tammuz will be transformed in the messianic era. The day shall be "joy to the House of Judah, and gladness and cheerful feasts." Since the reference to this specific fast was made by a post-exilic prophet, this appears to mark the beginning of a series of fixed-fasts designated to the commemoration of critical events associated with the destruction of the Temple. Customs The fast of 17th Tammuz is observed only from the break of dawn. The sick and expectant or nursing women can observe the fast with lenience. One who is ill need not fast at all. Those permitted to eat should stilll refrain from eating meat, luxurious food and drink. Special additions to the prayers are added during the day.