On the matter of the fast today, Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, the 17th of Tammuz.
The Kitzur Shulchon Oruch says that the key point of fasting is not the fast itself, rather that we should focus on tshuva and being better Yidden. Those who fast all day, but spend their time on narishkait are missing the whole point and making the tofel (secondary, the fast itself) the ikar (key aspect), and the ikar (tshuva) the tofel. In regards to this, I know there are people who can’t fast due to medical conditions or perhaps they follow a posek who says in our current situation what with the coronavirus there are more people included in the category of those permitted to eat. Either way, I just wanted to give a little chizuk for those who have to eat today not to feel guilty: so long as you focus on making tshuva and becoming a better Yid, you’re fulfilling the main purpose of the fast. If we can all do that, and take on extra mitzvos or periods of time for learning, iy’H we should merit to see Moshiach and the rebuilt Beis HaMikdash in Yerushalayim, along with the end of our long Golus.
Yismach Lev 