The Chief Rabbi of Gan Yavne, Rabbi David HaCohen, issued a warning letter today (Thursday), stating that it is forbidden to drink water for a little more than an hour today.
In his letter, the rabbi writes: "Today, Thursday, 10th Sivan, the time called the 'Period of Tammuz' will begin. The times are: from 4:45 PM to 5:51 PM - and during this time it is forbidden to drink water unless it contains metal.".
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""This is how the halachic ruling of Maran Par Hador, the Geraim Yosef zt"l and the Geraim Mazuz, was made.
""What is forbidden? All water is forbidden to drink, even that which has been in a bottle in the refrigerator. Only water in which a piece of iron, such as a spoon, pin, etc., has been placed before the hour is permitted to be drunk. Although all of this is only in water, there is no concern in other beverages.
""Until when is water forbidden? After this time, according to the principle of the law, water is permissible to drink, even water in which iron has not been placed, although if it is a small loss to pour out the water, it is better and better to do so and not use it.".
""While placing the iron in the water, it is good for him to say a prayer that was corrected by Rabbi Chaim Pelaji in this form: 'The right of the mothers Bilhah Rachel Zilpah Leah (the initials of the iron) that the 12 tribes of Israel established, may they be gracious to us and save us from all difficult and evil decrees.'".
What is the origin of the ban?
The Hebrew year is divided into four equal parts - the period of Tishrei, the period of Tevet, the period of Nisan, and the period of Tammuz. An ancient custom, practiced in some communities of Israel, prohibited drinking water during the transition between periods.
