NOVEMBER 17/KISLEV 4

3243 (518 BCE):

A delegation of Babylonian Jews arrived in Jerusalem to ask Zecharia the prophet if Tisha b’Av should be discontinued. (Their question was asked during the construction of the Second Temple, two years before completion). Zecharia’s answer as recorded in Zechariah 8:18-19 is:

“Thus says the Lord: The fast of the fourth month (17th Tamuz), 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. ”