17 Tammuz in American History

In an article in Commentary, entitled "The Full Measure of Devotion," Rabbi Meir Soloveichik calls our attention to two extraordinary historical coincidences:  Both July 4, 1776 and July 4, 1863 (the date of the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, which assured that the Union would prevail in the American Civil War), fell on the Jewish fast day of 17 Tammuz, which on the Jewish religious calendar begins "the three weeks," the annual period of mourning for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem -- and our prayers for its restoration and Jewish redemption -- which culminates with the Fast of the Ninth of Av (Tisha b'Av).  Because the Hebrew calendar is lunar, with leap months, while the Julian calendar is solar, the concurrence of July 4 and 17 Tammuz is no means an annual event.  This year, for example, July 4 falls on 21 Tammuz.

Allow me to state what I believe Rabbi Soloveichik believes but only implied in his column:  This "coincidence" is not coincidence at all, but rather steps in the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zachariah (8:18-19). "“Thus says the Lord: The fast of the fourth month (17th Tammuz), the fast of the fifth month (Tisha B’av), the fast of the seventh month (Tzum Gedalya), and the fast of the tenth month (10th of Tevet), shall become for the House of Judah days of joy and gladness – happy festivals – [on the condition that] you must love and follow – emet v’shalom – truth and peace. ”

The birth of the United States of America, and our nation's preservation during its Civil War, were stages in God's fulfillment of Zachariah's prophecy, which will culminate in the ultimate redemption not only of Judah and Israel, but also America and all mankind.  May it come about speedily and in our days.