Judaism's Shehechiyanu blessing thanks God for sustaining our lives so we could experience this moment of joy. Learn more about why and when this Jewish blessing of appreciation for the gift of life is recited.

Today, the 17th day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, is a fast day which commemorates the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE.

A three-week period of mourning begins today and ends on Tisha B'Av. During the Three Weeks, called Sholshet HaShavuot in Hebrew, more observant Jews observe the following prohibitions: 1) no weddings and other festive gatherings, 2) no hair cuts (some refrain from shaving).

Tisha B'Av, the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av, is a fast day that commemorates the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. This year Tisha B'Av is on July 24, 2007 (Tuesday).

Why do Jews today mourn the fall of Jerusalem and the loss of the Temple, events which took place almost 2000 years ago? Rabbi Professor David Golinkin explains, in answer to this question, that "Remembrance is the Secret of Redemption."