The relationship between the breaking of the tablets, the 17th of Tammuz and the summer season Devora MaelMaalot BaltimoreThe relationship between the breaking of the tablets, the 17th of Tammuz and the summer seasonThroughout the History, the 17th of Tammuz was one day subject to the tragedies that struck the Jewish nation. The mishna of Taanit explains that 5 major tragedies befell the Israelites on that day. The first was the breaking of the tablets which occurred following Bnei Yisrael's construction of the calf. The second was that sacrifice was always temporarily suspended during the first temple. The third tragedy occurred when the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem as the last step before destroying the Temple. The fourth time, Apostumos burned the Torah, and the fifth, when an idol was placed in the Temple (Mishna Taanis: Chaf vav, Rambam, Perush Hamishnayos, cited in Eider, 1978). It is quite confusing to learn that each of them). these tragedies happened on the exact same day. One must delve into the Torah to determine the significance of the day or season in which Tammuz 17 occurs. By studying the part of the breaking of the tablets, the first of the five events, within the Chumash, we can understand why this day was ripe for such tragedies within our nation. In Exodus 32:1-3 he recounts the events leading up to the sin of the calf which resulted in the catastrophe of the breaking of the tablets. After God gave the Torah to the Israelites in Sivan, Moshe climbed the mountain to receive the tablets from God. Moshe informed the Israelites that he would stay on the mountain for 40 days and would return on the morning of the 40th day. Moshe meant that he would stay on the mountain for a full 40 days, but the children of Israel wrongly assumed that the day of Moshe's ascension was considered the...... middle of paper ... ...compliance with these laws can be tragic Additionally, one must be aware of the idea that Tammuz 17 does not represent complete destruction. There are three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av during which one can stop all negative behavior and serve properly. It should also be noted with regard to Tammuz 17 that when negative events occur, they are often temporary and should be seen as a message of potential improved outcomes. With proper effort on our part, seemingly negative things can actually become a means to a greater, more positive end. References Abarbanel, ShemotEider, SD (1978). A summary of the Halachos of the three weeks. Lakewood, NJ: Rabbi Shimon D. Eider.Maharal, Sefer Netzach YisraelPsiktah D'Rav Kahana, Shmini Atzeres quoted in Shivtei YisraelRambam, Mishnah Torah, Hilchos Deyos,Rashbam, ShemotRashi, ShemosShemos RabbahShemot