The Fast of the 17th of Tammuz

Everyone knows about fasting on Yom Kippur. There are, however, several other fast days on the Jewish calendar that are not nearly as well known. One of the prominent fasts is the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz, which this year falls on Shabbat, but is observed today, Sunday, July 17th.

As mentioned in the Talmud, five events are commemorated on this solemn day:

1. Moses smashed the Ten Commandments when he found the Jews worshiping the Golden Calf.
2. The daily sacrifices ceased during the First Temple due to a shortage of sacrificial animals.
3. The walls of Jerusalem were breached leading to the destruction of the First Temple (actually occurred on the 9th of Tammuz) and Second Temple.
4. An idol was placed in the Temple during the First Temple era.
5. Apustamos (a Roman general) publicly burned a Torah scroll.