June 15, 2025
What is the Twentieth of Sivan?
Question: What is the Twentieth of Sivan?
Answer: The Twentieth of Sivan is a historic Jewish fast day established by Rabbeinu Tam in 1171 to commemorate the Blois massacre in France, the first blood libel in continental Europe. It later symbolized other anti-Jewish violence during the Crusades, such as the Rhineland massacres, and was marked for the 1648–49 Cossack riots in Poland-Lithuania. Although proposed as a Holocaust memorial day post-World War II, this was not widely adopted. Some communities, like Belz, Skver, and Papa Chasidim, still recite Selichot on this day.
Laws and Customs Regarding Making a Siyum During The Nine Days
Making a Siyum During The Nine Days
The Shulchan Aruch (551:10) rules that one may not eat meat or drink wine during the nine days unless it's a Seudas Mitzvah. Included in the list of what's considered a Seudas Mitzvah is making a siyum.
Wh…
Freshly Cleaned Clothing During the Nine Days
*Freshly Cleaned Clothing*
The Rama (551:3) says that from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B’Av, one may not wear freshly laundered clothing.
If one wishes to wear freshly washed garments during the Nine Days, they should be worn beforehan…