Fast Food for Thought - 17 Tammuz 5786
Today, Thursday, is the 17th of Tammuz, a fast day commemorating the Romans’ breaching the walls of the City of Jerusalem, leading to the destruction of the Holy Temple three weeks later. There were several other calamities that happened on that day, and you can read about it here . The fast is observed by not eating or drinking all day until nightfall (9:05 in Palo Alto), saying special prayers called Selichot and Aneinu, increasing Tzedakah, and spending time contemplating the meaning of the day. We recognize the need to strengthen our bond with Hashem, and to turn the tide on the exile through Teshuvah. There are different ways we can approach this. One is to focus on the destruction and pain and suffering. Another way is to focus on changing the situation and bringing about the redemption and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple (in a peaceful way). We can take this second approach a step further. When Moshiach comes, t...