Likelihood of Success

Today is a “minor” fast day for observant Jews and the beginning of the “Three Weeks” — 17 Tammuz and 9 Av on the Jewish calendar, which commemorate the tragic process of the destruction of the two Holy Temples in Jerusalem. The fast of the 17th of Tammuz marks the day of the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem. The Three Weeks end with the fast of the 9th of Av, which commemorates the day of the actual destruction by fire of the Holy Temple. The three weeks is a period of mourning over these destructions. This year, therefore, the Three Weeks continue through August 14, 2005 (9th of Av).

Observant Jews maintain various degrees of mourning practices during this period.  More here.