Tammuz, the tenth month in the Hebrew calendar when counting from Rosh Hashanah and the fourth from Nisan, typically falls between June and July in the Gregorian calendar. Its name, believed to have Babylonian origins, derives from the ancient hero Dumuzid.
Known for its intense summer heat in Israel, Tammuz spans 29 days and is associated with the tribe of Reuben. Under the zodiac sign of Cancer, this month marks a time of both celebration and solemnity.
Historically, Tammuz initiates a three-week mourning period leading to Tisha B'Av, commemorating the destruction of both Jerusalem Temples. The 17th of Tammuz, a minor fast day, marks the breach of Jerusalem's walls before the Second Temple's fall.
Yet, despite these sad associations, Tammuz also stands for the beautiful Israeli summer. It's a time when grapes, figs, pomegranates, and other summer fruits ripen, painting the landscape with vibrant colors and flavors.
This duality is beautifully captured in Naomi Shemer's 1979 song "Middle of Tammuz." The lyrics juxtapose the sadness of death against the joyous laughter of fruit and life's celebrations. Through its melody and words, the song weaves a tapestry of emotions, with the refrain "Sad to die in the middle of Tammuz" serving as a poignant reminder of life's fragility amidst nature's abundance.
Today, this song resonates deeply with the people of Israel. As the nation grapples with the ongoing war, thoughts turn to those still held captive in Gaza, to the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to all whose lives have been disrupted. Yet, even in these challenging times, there's hope for peace and divine blessings in this beautiful land.
Sad to die in the middle of Tammuz
Summer flags are raised high,
Atop the mast a dove coos and won't cease.
For your summer and your harvest, cheers have fallen.
Sad to die in the middle of Tammuz
Especially when peaches are abundant,
And all the fruit laughs in the basket.
And for your summer and your harvest, cheers have fallen.
Sad to die in the middle of Tammuz,
Now in the middle of Tammuz we'll die
To the orphaned orchards of fruit.
Cheer after cheer, falling will fall
For your summer and your harvest, and for everything...
Sad to die in the middle of Tammuz