The fast of the 17th of Tammuz, known as Shiva Assar B'Tammuz, is the start of a three week mourning period for the destruction of Jerusalem and the two Holy Temples. The fast actually commemorates five tragic events that occurred on this date: Moses broke the tablets when he saw the Jewish people worshipping the Golden Calf. During the Babylonian siege on Jerusalem, the Jews were forced to cease offering the daily sacrifices due to the lack of cattle. Apustmus burned the holy Torah. An idol was placed in the Holy Temple. The walls of Jerusalem were breached by the...