Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 2010

Tammuz is a month associated with mourning. The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day commemorating the breach of Jerusalem's walls, and it marks the beginning of the Three Weeks of mourning leading to Tisha B'Av. According to tradition, the sin of the Golden Calf and Moses' breaking of the first tablets occurred during this month.

Standard Rosh Chodesh prayers are recited: half Hallel, Ya'aleh V'Yavo, the Torah reading, and Musaf. Though Rosh Chodesh itself is a joyful day, the community is aware that the solemn Three Weeks period begins later in the month on the 17th of Tammuz.