A few days ago marked the beginning of the Jewish month of Tammuz, a time when we evaluate our actions and find ways to improve. The months from Nissan (Passover time) until Sivan (Shavuos) are characterized by holidays which commemorates the Jews’ departure from Egypt and acceptance of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Tammuz ushers in serious time which marks the destruction of the Holy Temple. On the 17th of Tammuz, we fast to mark the breach in the walls of the Holy Temple, which was the beginning of its destruction. This is followed by three weeks of mourning, culminating on Tisha B’Av, a fast day during which we mourn the destruction of the First and Second Holy Temple, as well as other tragedies in Jewish history.
This serious time comes in the summer, a time when we usually go to the beach or set out on vacations. Is this a coincidence? In the summertime, we tend to be more lax about things, and might let the negative inclination get the better of us. Therefore, the enjoyment we do (and should) have in the summertime is tempered with an earnest reflection on our actions and resolve to improve aspects of our character.
In Jewish Astrology, the month of Tammuz is represented by the crab. The crab pinches, and this represents the fact that the Jewish People were “pinched “ this month and the pain that ensued. A crab also runs and hides, and the quality of this month is fleeing, which can sometimes be beneficial, as we should learn to flee from negative impulses and temptations. The tribe that represents this month is Reuven, whose name is associated with “seeing.” This reminds us that this month is a good time to develop one’s “vision” for the future and the ability to distinguish what is helpful from what isn’t.
There are also great miracles and events associated with Tammuz. On the third of Tammuz, Joshua won an incredible battle for the Land of Israel. Hashem made the sun stand still in the sky to give him light until he could defeat his enemies. Lubavitch Chassidim celebrate the 12th of Tammuz, because on this day, their Previous Rebbe, Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, was released from an almost certain death sentence by the Soviet government. This day represents a victory for Jews everywhere over oppressive forces.