The month of Av has begun and with it the religious recognition that the 9th of Av, Tisha b'Av, is coming soon - Tuesday the 24th. It is a day with no classes. I think most offices and shops are closed as well, though I don't know for sure.
I've heard that in Jerusalem there are men at the Wall bemoaning the Temple's destruction and then there are loads more tourists taking photos of the event. It sounds like religious voyeurism to me and I object, so I don't plan to be in Jerusalem for it unless I learn otherwise.
I'll bet the free Israeli breakfast at the hotel goes on as usual. I wonder how the concept of the full day of fasting will play itself out.
I'll keep you posted.
By the way - what about you? Tisha b'Av - just another day? Destruction of the Temple - twice - big deal? Or not? Just history? Any connection with how you understand your Jewishness?
These are questions for us all and the answers are probably as unique as each of us.
With thoughtfulness - Rabbi Heath
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