A weekly feature of Torah Tidbits to help clarify practical and conceptual aspects of the Jewish Calendar, thereby better fulfilling the mitzva of HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem... 17-18 Av are associated with two tragedies - one old and one in relatively recent times. A Taanit Tzadikim is recorded on the occasion of the extinguishing of the Western lamp of the Menora (corresponding to which we have a NER TAMID in shuls) in the time of Achaz. A fast of this type is not imposed on the community at large, therefore, it is not a Taanit Tzibur. It is, rather, a fast that some individuals accept upon themselves, but can be viewed as fasting on behalf of Klal Yisrael. The dates are also associated with the Arab riots of 1929, which resulted in 133 Jewish deaths in Hebron and Tzfat. The Arab attacks occurred in many other locations, including Jerusalem. It was the Mufti of Jerusalem who stirred the Arabs into a violent frenzy, that led to the violence that continued for about a week. Many Jews from Hebron fled to Jerusalem during this period. 21 Menachem Av is the 89th yahrzeit of Reb Chayim of Brisk, R' Chayim b. Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik [The Parshat Eikev Homepage]
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