Second Temple
Literature and history from the Second Temple period.
11 questions answered
What are the restrictions on the 17th of Tammuz?
The 17th of Tammuz (Shiva Asar b'Tammuz) is a communal fast day on which eating and drinking are forbidden from dawn (alot hashachar) until nightfall. It m...
Can I work on Tisha b’av
Working on Tisha b'Av (the Ninth of Av) is governed by local custom (minhag), but universally, Torah scholars refrain from work the entire day, and anyone who d
Proves that god exists
The question of God's existence is one of the most profound in all of human thought. Jewish tradition does not rely on a single "proof" but offers a rich c...
Can you feed your kids hot dogs on Tisha B'Av?
The question of feeding children on Tisha B'Av touches on the halachic distinction between adults, who are obligated to fast, and minors, who are generally not.
Can one water plants on Tisha baav
Watering plants on Tisha B'Av is generally permitted, as it does not fall under any of the five prohibited activities of the fast day. However, there are nuance
In a minyan, why do we need six people who are fasting for the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz to change the service?
Great question! This touches on the intersection of communal prayer, ta'anit tzibur (public fast), and the laws of tefillah (prayer) on fast days. Key Takeaways
What is the summary of Parshat Tazria?
Parshat Tazria (Leviticus 12–13) deals with two primary topics: the laws of tumah (ritual impurity) following childbirth, and the laws of tzara'at (a skin...
When is the next fast day
## Next Fast Day: Tzom Tammuz The next fast day is **Tzom Tammuz** (צום י״ז בתמוז), falling on **July 2, 2026**. --- ### What is Tzom Tammuz? It is the...
When did the Jewish community start fasting for tammuz
The fast of the 17th of Tammuz (Shiva Asar b'Tammuz) has its roots going back to the Biblical era, with formal rabbinic codification during or after the Se...
If tisha b'av was on Thursday can the break fast meal be chicken?
Yes, if Tisha B'Av falls on a Thursday, chicken may be eaten at the break-fast meal immediately after the fast ends. The restriction on meat and wine during the
If you’re not fasting on tisha bav do you still need to do סעודת המפסקת?
The seudah hamafseket (the final meal before the fast) is specifically preparatory to the fast itself — if a person is halachically exempt from fasting on Tisha
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