When do the three weeks start in 2025?

The Three Weeks, known in Hebrew as "Bein HaMetzarim" (Between the Straits), represents one of the most solemn periods in the Jewish calendar. This twenty-one-day span of mourning and reflection holds profound significance for Jewish communities worldwide, serving as an annual reminder of historical tragedies and spiritual introspection. The period derives its name from the biblical verse in Lamentations that speaks of Jerusalem's enemies overtaking her "between the straits," symbolizing the confined and distressed state of the Jewish people during times of national catastrophe.

The Three Weeks period encompasses a gradual intensification of mourning practices, beginning with minor restrictions and culminating in the most intense day of mourning on the Jewish calendar. This structured approach to grief and remembrance allows communities to collectively process historical trauma while maintaining hope for future redemption. The period serves not only as a time of sorrow but also as an opportunity for spiritual growth, self-examination, and renewed commitment to Jewish values and unity.

The 2025 Dates: When the Three Weeks Begin and End

In 2025, the Three Weeks period will commence on Sunday, July 13, 2025, corresponding to the 17th day of Tammuz in the Hebrew year 5785. The period will conclude on Sunday, August 3, 2025, which marks Tisha B'Av, the 9th day of Av. These dates follow the Hebrew calendar, which is lunisolar and therefore shifts in relation to the Gregorian calendar each year.

The timing of these observances in 2025 is particularly notable because both the beginning and end of the Three Weeks fall on Sundays. This scheduling affects certain religious practices and fasting observances, as Jewish law provides specific guidelines for when fast days coincide with Shabbat or are pushed to different days of the week. The fact that both dates fall on Sunday means that the fasting and mourning observances will proceed as scheduled without the complications that sometimes arise when these dates conflict with Shabbat.

For Jewish communities planning their summer schedules, these dates provide crucial information for organizing religious services, educational programs, and community events. Many synagogues and Jewish organizations plan special programming during this period, including study sessions focused on the historical events being commemorated and discussions about their contemporary relevance.

Historical Significance of the 17th of Tammuz

The 17th of Tammuz marks the beginning of the Three Weeks and commemorates five major tragedies that befell the Jewish people throughout history. The most ancient of these events dates back to the time of Moses, when he descended from Mount Sinai and, upon witnessing the Israelites worshipping the Golden Calf, broke the first set of tablets containing the Ten Commandments. This act of divine disappointment set a precedent for the day as one marked by spiritual crisis and divine judgment.

During the Second Temple period, three additional catastrophes occurred on this date. The walls of Jerusalem were breached by Roman forces during their siege of the city, marking the beginning of the end for the Second Temple. Roman general Apostomus publicly burned a Torah scroll, representing not just the destruction of a sacred object but a deliberate assault on Jewish learning and continuity. Additionally, an idol was erected within the Temple itself, constituting the ultimate desecration of Judaism's holiest site.

The fifth tragedy traditionally associated with this date involves the cessation of the daily sacrificial offerings in the Temple due to the siege conditions. This interruption of the Temple service represented a break in the continuous worship that had been maintained for centuries, symbolizing the severing of the direct connection between the Jewish people and their divine service.

These historical events transformed the 17th of Tammuz into a day of fasting and mourning, establishing it as the beginning of an extended period of national grief. The convergence of these tragedies on a single date reinforced the Jewish understanding of historical patterns and divine providence, contributing to the development of a sophisticated theology of suffering and redemption.

The Structure and Observance of the Three Weeks

The Three Weeks period is characterized by a graduated system of mourning practices that intensify as the period progresses. During the initial phase, from the 17th of Tammuz through the beginning of the month of Av, observant Jews refrain from certain joyful activities while maintaining most normal routines. These restrictions typically include avoiding weddings, musical performances, and haircuts, reflecting a subdued but not overwhelming approach to mourning.

The period intensifies significantly during the Nine Days, which begin with the start of the month of Av and continue until Tisha B'Av. During this time, additional restrictions come into effect, including refraining from eating meat and drinking wine (except on Shabbat), avoiding new clothing purchases, and limiting recreational activities. These practices serve to focus attention on the approaching anniversary of the Temple's destruction while creating a communal atmosphere of anticipation and solemnity.

The final phase, known as the Week of Tisha B'Av, brings the most stringent observances. During this time, many communities refrain from bathing for pleasure, doing laundry, and engaging in any activities associated with comfort or luxury. This progressive intensification mirrors the historical timeline of Jerusalem's destruction, allowing participants to experience something of the mounting dread that preceded the ultimate catastrophe.

These structured observances serve multiple purposes beyond simple commemoration. They create opportunities for spiritual reflection, encourage solidarity with historical Jewish suffering, and provide a framework for processing both individual and collective grief. The communal nature of these practices strengthens Jewish identity and creates shared experiences that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

Contemporary Relevance and Modern Observance

In contemporary Jewish life, the Three Weeks period has evolved to address modern concerns while maintaining its traditional structure and significance. Many communities use this time to reflect not only on historical tragedies but also on current challenges facing the Jewish people and the broader world. This includes consideration of ongoing conflicts, social justice issues, and the need for communal unity in addressing contemporary problems.

Educational programming during the Three Weeks often focuses on themes of Jewish resilience, the importance of historical memory, and the development of empathy for those experiencing suffering. Many synagogues organize special lecture series, study groups, and community service projects that connect ancient themes with modern realities. These programs help participants understand how historical awareness can inform contemporary action and decision-making.

The period also serves as an important time for interfaith dialogue and understanding. Many Jewish communities invite non-Jewish neighbors to learn about the historical events being commemorated and their ongoing significance. This educational outreach helps build bridges of understanding while providing opportunities to discuss how different communities process historical trauma and maintain cultural continuity.

For individual practitioners, the Three Weeks offer a structured opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual growth. The gradual intensification of mourning practices provides a framework for examining one's relationship with history, community, and personal values. Many people find that the prescribed limitations on certain activities create space for deeper contemplation and more meaningful engagement with Jewish texts and traditions.