Fast of Tammuz 2025
The Seventeenth of Tammuz opens the Three Weeks (Bein HaMetzarim) of mourning between this fast and Tisha B'Av. On this day the walls of Jerusalem were breached before the destruction of the Temple, and Moses shattered the Tablets of the Covenant upon seeing the Golden Calf.
Halachic Framework
Fast of Tammuz is a rabbinic fast day. Core rules:
- Duration: The fast runs from dawn (alot haShachar) to nightfall (tzait haKochavim) — a shorter span than Yom Kippur's sunset-to-nightfall fast.
- Exemptions: The ill, pregnant and nursing women, and young children are exempt. Anyone whose health would be at risk must not fast.
- Liturgy: The Amidah includes the fast-day blessing "Aneinu," and Slichot (penitential prayers) are added. Tachanun is not said on the fast itself but is omitted afterward as well.
Customs & Observances
- Fast from dawn until nightfall
- Reciting Selichot and "Anenu"
- Mild mourning customs begin with this day: no weddings or music until Tisha B'Av
- Haircuts and festivities are traditionally avoided during the Three Weeks
Greetings & Blessings for Fast of Tammuz
Traditional greetings used before, during, and after Fast of Tammuz:
- Tzom Kal — "An easy fast"
בעברית:
- צום קל
About Fast of Tammuz
The Seventeenth of Tammuz opens the Three Weeks (Bein HaMetzarim) of mourning between this fast and Tisha B'Av. On this day the walls of Jerusalem were breached before the destruction of the Temple, and Moses shattered the Tablets of the Covenant upon seeing the Golden Calf.
Also known as: Seventeenth of Tammuz, Shiva Asar B'Tammuz
Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the date shown and conclude at nightfall (when three medium stars are visible) on the final day. In the Diaspora, major Torah festivals are observed for two days (Yom Tov Sheni shel Galuyot), while in Israel they are observed for one day.
Fast of Tammuz in Upcoming Years
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | July 2, 2026 |
| 2027 | July 22, 2027 |
| 2028 | July 11, 2028 |
| 2029 | July 1, 2029 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Fast of Tammuz 2025?
Fast of Tammuz 2025 begins at sunset on July 13, 2025 (Hebrew date: 17 Tammuz 5785). All Jewish holidays begin at sunset the evening before the date listed.
What is Fast of Tammuz?
The Seventeenth of Tammuz opens the Three Weeks (Bein HaMetzarim) of mourning between this fast and Tisha B'Av. On this day the walls of Jerusalem were breached before the destruction of the Temple, and Moses shattered the Tablets of the Covenant upon seeing the Golden Calf.
How are Fast of Tammuz dates determined?
Fast of Tammuz falls on a fixed date in the Hebrew (lunisolar) calendar each year. Because the Hebrew calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar, the corresponding Gregorian date shifts annually. The dates on this page are calculated algorithmically — no manual updates needed.
Is Fast of Tammuz a fast day?
Yes, Fast of Tammuz is a fast day. The fast includes abstention from food and drink from dawn (or sunset the evening before) until nightfall the following evening.