Summary Laws of the fast of the 17th of Tammuz
3196. One is obligated to fast on the Public fast days established by The Nevi-im which are: 17th of Tammuz, Tisha B’Av (9th of Av), 3rd of Tishrei (Tzom Gedalaya), 10th of Teves, and the 13th of Adar (Taanis Esther). (We will review the obligation with respect to women). Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 549:1
3197. On all these days we fast because of the tragedies that happened; to remind us that our behavior today is similar to the behavior of our forefathers which caused the tragedies, and to arouse us to do Teshuvah. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 549:1
3198. On all the Public fast days one is obligated to focus one’s attention (mind and heart) to examine one’s behavior and to do Teshuvah. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 549:1
3199. The focus on Teshuva is even more important than the fasting itself; Therefore, those who fast, but spend the day on trips or tours have “grabbed onto the (aspect of) minor (significance) and left over the (aspect of) major (significance)”. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 549:1
3200. Five tragedies happened on the 17th of Tammuz;
1. The 1st Luchos (Tablets) were broken;
2. The Korbon Tamid (daily sacrifice) was unable to be brought any longer (1st Beis Hamikdash);
3. Yerushalayim was breached (2nd Beis Hamikdash); (and 1st Beis Hamikdash according to
Gemara Yerushalmi. Other opinions say that it occurred on the 9th of Tammuz);
4. Apostomus Ha’Rasha burned the Torah;
5. and he placed an idol in the Heichal of the Beis Hamikdash;
Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 549:1
3201. Generally, The obligation to fast on public fast days includes women.
A) Nevertheless, many contemporary Poskim are lenient with regard to (married) women who are of child-bearing age, and allow them not to fast on the four fasts (excluding Tisha B’Av & Yom Kippur).
B) However, inasmuch as this leniency is not in accordance with Shulchan Aruch and many other Poskim, one should not be lenient without the specific direction of a Rov/Posek. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 550:1, Piskei Tshuvos 550:1
3202. Women who are nursing or pregnant (according to Mishnah Berurah – more than 40 days into the pregnancy), are not obligated to fast on the four fasts (excluding Tisha B’Av & Yom Kippur), and those who fast are acting according to the minhag to be strict (L’chumrah). Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 550:1
3203. A pregnant or nursing woman who is feeling weak (and certainly one who is sick) may not fast. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 550:1
3204. Anyone who is feeling sick is not obligated to fast, and may not act strictly in this regard. (The same is true for people who are weak or old and have been advised by a doctor that fasting could harm their health.) Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 550:1, Piskei Tshuvos 550:2
3205. One who is eating on a fast day (due to sickness, pregnancy or other permission) should not indulge oneself (with meat or wine). Rather one should only eat what is needed to sustain oneself.. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 550:1
3206. If one forgot that it was a fast day and unintentionally ate; one should nevertheless complete the rest of the fast day without eating. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 549:1
3207. On a fast day one should be particularly careful to avoid anger. If one is conducting business, one should be conscientious to behave in a calm and peaceful manner to avoid anger.
Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 568:12
3208. There is a minhag (mentioned in Tosafos Mes. Megillah beg. Chap. 3) to give Tzedakah at Mincha on the day of a Taanis. The mitzvah of Tzedakah is also mentioned in the Haftorah that is read at Mincha on a Taanis. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 566:2 MB12
3209. Some also have the minhag to estimate the value of the food outlay being saved due to the fast, and give that amount to the poor to eat for the evening meal. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 566:2 MB12
3210. On the day of a Taanis one should refrain from unnecessarily touching foods, lest one inadvertently eat during the fast. Piskei Tshuvos 589:1 citing Pri Migadim 612 citing Taz 612:8
3211. Restaurant owners should be aware that serving food on a Taanis to someone who is obligated to fast (as opposed to a sick person for example – who may eat) may involve the issur of Lifnei Iver – “Placing a stumbling block before a blind man”. Therefore, the decision of whether to remain open on a Taanis should be discussed with a Rov. S”U Maharsham 6:11, S”U Bais Shlomo 38, Yalkut Yosef – Moadim 530
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