(5772) July 7-28, 2012

The Three Weeks is a time of deep mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples. During these weeks, the Haftarah on Shabbat are taken from Jeremiah and Isaiah which deal with the exiles and the destructions of the Temples. Joy and celebration is minimized during this time as an act of mourning. During the three weeks weddings are not performed, music is not listened to, Jews avoid celebrations and pleasure trips, haircuts and shaving are not done, and the Shehecheyanu blessing is not recited over new food or clothes (except on Shabbat).

The Nine Days (the first of Av through the ninth of Av) is an even more intense period of mourning. During this period, purchasing new, joyful products is not done, home improvement or planting trees/flowers is suspended, meat and wine is not consumed (except on Shabbat), cleaning clothing is not done and newly laundered clothes are not worn (except on Shabbat), and bathing for pleasure is not permitted.

Additional Information: The Three Weeks :: A Chronology of Destruction :: The Three Weeks

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