Jewish Fast Day Laws: What Is Permitted During the Three Weeks?

Two halachot a day from Behalacha Uve'aggadah, based on the rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory.

Can Someone Exempt From Fasting Eat Sweets and Treats?

Individuals who are exempt from fasting because of illness or physical weakness should preferably refrain from indulging in sweets and treats, such as chocolate, ice cream, and similar foods. Although they are permitted to eat, it is appropriate to respect the solemn nature of the fast day by avoiding unnecessary indulgence.

However, if someone who is ill needs to eat meat or other nourishing foods to regain strength and recover, they are permitted to do so.

Restaurant owners and operators of falafel stands, pizza shops, and similar establishments where customers typically eat their purchases immediately should preferably avoid opening on public fast days. This precaution is intended to prevent inadvertently encouraging people to eat in violation of the fast, whether because they are unaware that it is a fast day or do not fully understand its significance.

Someone who is fasting but needs to take medication for a headache or another medical condition should swallow the tablets without water whenever possible. If this is difficult, they may take the medication with a small amount of water. A preferable alternative, where medically appropriate, is to crush the tablet into a spoon containing a little water and swallow it. Tablets should only be crushed when their formulation permits it.

Chewing gum is prohibited while fasting if it contains flavor. However, chewing completely flavorless gum is permitted.

What If Someone Recites a Blessing Over Food on a Fast Day?

If a person forgets that it is a fast day and recites a blessing over food or drink, but remembers the fast before tasting it, the ruling presented here is that they should consume a small amount to avoid having recited a berachah levatalah, a blessing in vain.

If someone forgets that they are fasting and accidentally eats, they must continue fasting for the remainder of the day. They are not required to make up the fast on another day, since the obligation specifically applies to the date on which the historical tragedies occurred.

The Fast of the 17th of Tammuz differs from Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av in that certain activities remain permitted. Bathing, applying oils or lotions, wearing leather shoes, and marital intimacy are all allowed. Bathing in hot water is also permitted, although those who choose to adopt a stricter practice are considered praiseworthy.

Daily Jewish Concepts: What Are the Three Weeks?

The period between the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha B'Av is known as Bein HaMetzarim, or the Three Weeks. This solemn period commemorates the tragedies associated with the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

During the three Shabbatot that fall within this period, special Haftarah readings are recited following the Torah reading. Known as Telata DePuranuta, or the Three Haftarot of Calamity, these prophetic passages describe impending destruction and the consequences of the Jewish people's transgressions.

Throughout the Three Weeks, various customs of mourning are observed to commemorate the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash. These practices encourage reflection on the tragedies of Jewish history, the spiritual consequences of wrongdoing, and the enduring significance of the Temple in Jewish life.

The Three Weeks are therefore not merely a period of historical remembrance, but also an opportunity for introspection, spiritual growth, and renewed commitment to Torah and mitzvot.