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“WITHIN THE STRAITS”  
(Some refer to this time by another name…. “BETWEEN THE STRAITS.” The following is a Short Overview of the period of time leading up to the 9th Day of the Jewish Month of Av.)

            The “Three Weeks” between the 17th day of the Jewish Month of Tammuz which coincides with the 20th day of July and the 9th day of the Jewish month of Av which falls this year on the 10th of August.  This time, on the Jewish Calendar and throughout Jewish History has historically been the days of misfortune and calamity for the Jewish People.  During this time, both the First and the Second Holy Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed, amongst other tragedies.

          A short list of these calamitous events from the 17th of Tammuz are as follows:  Moses, our greatest teacher broke the first set of Tablets when he descended from the mountain and saw the golden calf, the daily sacrifices were suspended in the first Temple,  the city wall was breached in the time of the second Temple, during the time of Apustamus the Wicked of the Second Temple era Torahs were burned early commentators attribute Apustamus the Wicked to the Roman Procurator Camanus (This period of time was about 16 years prior to the great revolt against Roman rule, an idol was placed in the Sanctuary.  I do urge any and all readers to further study this time in history to acquire a greater understanding of the time refered to as “Within the Straits.”
 
            During this time, various aspects of mourning are observed by the Jewish People.  We, as a people, are urged to minimize joy and celebration.  Since the attribute of Divine judgment is acutely felt by all, we avoid potentially dangerous or risky ventures.
 
            The following are some of the aspects of mourning during these three week and they are:
 
*           No weddings are held but engagement ceremonies are permitted.
*           We do not listen to music
*           We avoid public celebrations --- especially those that involve singing, dancing and musical instruments.
*           We avoid pleasure trips or other unusually entertaining activities.
*           We do not take haircuts nor do we shave
*           We do not say the blessing of She-hechianu (thanksgiving for new foods that we eat for the first time during the year or thanksgiving for new cloths).
 
            The Nine days is the period of time starting with the beginning of the Jewish month of Av (2 August -10 August this year) is the period of time referred to as the “Nine Days.”  During this time, a stricter level of mourning is observed, in according to the dictum in Ta’anis 26 which says “When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy.  During this time we avoid or suspend the following:
 
 
*           We avoid purchasing any items that bring great joy
*           We suspend home improvements, or the planting of trees or flowers
*           We avoid litigation since fortune is inauspicious at this time       
*           We abstain from consumption of meat (including poultry) and wine.  These foods are symbolic of the service done in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Temple Service and are generally expressions of celebration and joy.  However, on Shabbos, meat and wine are permitted.  This also applies to any other seuduos mitzvah (meal of celebration such as for a circumcision or finishing the reading of a holy book)
*           We refrain from wearing newly laundered garments or laundering of any cloths (do them before this time starts!)
*           Fresh clothes, however, may be worn on Shabbos.
*           Children’s clothes, as they get dirty more often may be laundered during this time.
*           We do not bathe for pleasure
*           It is permitted to bathe in order to remove dirt or perspiration, or for medical reasons.  This may be done only in cool water
*           Bathing in warm water is permitted on Friday in honor of Shabbos.
 
            I sincerely hope this short explanation of the holiday period beginning this coming weekend and ending the 10th of August.  If I can offer any further explanation or insights into this interesting time of the year for a Jew please feel free to email me at RabbiDovYitzchak@gmail.com <mailto:RabbiDovYitzchak@gmail.com>

            This article has been written and offered for publication at The Bakersfield Californian by Rabbi Dr. DovYitzchak Neal, “The Kern Rebbe”.  Rabbi Neal is also the Executive Director of the Central California Jewish Network  The Rebbe and Rebbetzen can be contacted by gmail or by calling 661 833 3145.