For the source text click/tap here: Gittin 7
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Our daf records a discussion about certain rabbinic enactments following the destruction of the Temple that limited the full celebration of weddings. The specific question that was raised relates to the atarot hatanim – crowns worn by the groom – a tradition that was discontinued as a sign of mourning over the hurban bet ha-mikdash.
As a source for this, Rav Huna quotes a Mishna from Massekhet Sota (49a) that as a result of pulmus shel Aspasyanus – Vespasian’s war – grooms no longer wore these crowns. ( see Daf Ditty Sotah 49).
The pulmus shel Aspasyanus that is referred to here is actually what is called “the Great Revolt”, which ended with the destruction of the Second Temple. It is called Vespasian’s war because Vespasian was the Roman general who presided over most of the fighting beginning from 67 CE.
We explore this tragic period and the rabbinic responses in theology and liturgy.