Tisha B'Av

The Ninth of Av. The day Jews commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Our rabbis teach that the destruction of the second temple in 70 C.E. occurred because of the rampant "baseless hatred" within the Jewish community.

Even if you're not of the school that considers historical events to be interventions of God which are determined on human virtue or sin, it is certainly worth noting that "baseless hatred" continues to be a problem within the Jewish community as well as throughout the world.

Rather than write my own "new thing" about Tisha b'Av - I would rather send you to www.myjewishlearning.com and let you roam through their various articles on Tisha B'Av.

You could also find information on the internet concerning Flavius Josephus, who wrote extensively about first century Jewish life. Here is a link with more historical detail

http://www.historynet.com/wars_conflicts/ancient_medieval_wars/3459516.html

(Do remember to consider that some sites - many sites - are Christian and they have a different spin on the destruction of the Temple. As always, consider the source.)

We all hold different connections to Jewish history, Israel, the Temple and its sacrifices. Reading this history helps broaden what most of us learned in public school or synagogue school history classes.

The destruction of the Temple and the Fall of Jerusalem to the Romans were - and are - a BIG DEAL. The laments recorded in the Bible - the Book of Lamentations - are recited in mourning of this event. Not until the Shoah did the Jewish people experience such catastrophe. It was a long time ago, but it is still very much a part of us.

We are to "live" Pesach as if we are the ones - at this very seder - leaving Egypt. Such is the sense of our other observances. We are to "live" Tisha B'Av as if we are the ones - on this very day - in the middle of the destruction of the Temple.

In Israel it's easier because everything is closed. It's a national holiday. In the Diaspora, it's different, but it can still carry much more weight that we are wont to give it.

But let's "get real." How many of us visit the cemetery on Memorial Day or on Veteran's Day, or participate in civil ceremonies for the war dead of our current country? These events are part of our recent history and on Memorial Day - hey, an extra day off from work and let's barbecue. Veteran's Day - oooo- the sales!! Even contemporary disasters fade from memory. Look at the fall off of September 11th memorial services. It's so easy to forget even when the tragedy was so large.

My advice: at least talk about Tisha B'Av with another Jew. Not forever, but for a little while. Make something of it. Why not try some Bible reading from the Book of Lamentations? Just a few verses. Just a small section. Get a feel of how our ancient writers recorded their sorrow. You don't have to tackle all of it. Start somewhere and do a little. Next year will come and you can do some more.

It's our heritage. Let's preserve it.

If you are fasting - may your fast be light.

Rabbi Heath