Connection between 17 Tamuz & Rosh Chodesh (Nissan)

Yes, it's all about the Korban Tamid. On a tragic note, one of the things that happened on 17 Tamuz before the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash was the cessation of bringing the two daily sacrifices - one in the morning & one in the later afternooon - the sacrifices known as the Korban Tamid which were the very first & last animals of the day to be brought as Korbanos (with the exception of the Korban Pesach). Yet ironically, the Parsha of the Korban Tamid in Parshas Pinchas is always read very close to 17 Tamuz. In fact, for those who learn the seven Aliyos of the Parsha corresponding to the days of the week, the very reading of Rosh Chodesh which begins with the Korban Tamid is learned this year on 17 Tamuz!

But in another sense, it is not so ironic. You see, the end of the Maseches Menachos in the Gemara tells us that one who learns about a particular Korban is as though he brought that very Korban. The Chofetz Chaim tells us that this applies particularly in these days when we are not able to bring Korbanos, so learning about Korbanos - such as Seder Kodoshim, or the Rambam in Sefer Avoda & Sefer Korbanos - has an extra merit besides the greatest Mitzva of Talmud Torah, as this is normally not learnt as much as other parts of Torah that may be more applicable these days, and thus is considered like a Meis Mitzva.

Anyways, as the 5th Aliya of Parshas Pinchas corresponding to the 5th day of the week - the very reading of Rosh Chodesh - which falls out this year on 17 Tamuz, it's most worthy to note that it is the very date of 17 Tamuz that is mentioned in the Petek - the "Yerida" that began the Geula process some 87 years ago when Saba ate in the early morning of 17 Tamuz - NOTE: Also happened on Thursday as it falls out on this year! - as he felt extra week. The Petek of Na Nach Nachma Nachman Meuman as is Shayich to 17 Tamuz is the Shem HaTzadik Yesod Olam - Rabbeinu Nachman Ben Feige who was born on the ROSH CHODESH of ROSH CHODOSHIM - Rosh Chodesh Nissan. In fact, on whatever day of the week that Rosh Chodesh Nissan falls out on - the upcoming 17 Tamuz will also fall out on!

Finally, as we are now in the 238th year from Rabbeinu's birth, and 238 is the Gematria of Rachel - it was Rachel Imeinu who composed Musaf of Rosh Chodesh as is evidenced in the first three words of the Rosh Chodesh text of the Shemoneh Esrei Mussaf - Roshei Chodoshim Le'Amcha - the Roshei Teivos spell the word Rachel. It was Rachel Imeinu - who among others pleaded to Hashem to have mercy on Klal Yisroel upon Churban Bayis Rishon that happened on Tisha B'Av- who had her prayers answered by Hashem Who answered in reply that indeed we will return to our land once more (theme of the Haftara for the 2nd day of Rosh Hashana).

And so, in any given year starting from Nissan - Rosh Chodesh Nissan, 17 Tamuz, Tisha B'Av, and the Yarhzeit of Rachel Imeinu on 11 Cheshvan all fall out on the same day of the week.

Not surprising to have such a Chiddush coming from me. You see, I am a Thursday morning Rosh Chodesh baby...

P.S. Hashgacha Pratis time! The time of this posting is 1:22 PM. As we know, the period of Bein HaMetzarim from 17 Tamuz to 9 Av is 22 days (corresponding to which are the sets of 22 Pesukim of Eicha that begin in order of the Alef Beis), and today - 17 Tamuz - is the 1st of these 22 days.