Modern Meaning for Tisha B'Av

 Dear Friends,


As we commemorate Tisha B'Av, we remember the tragedies that have occurred on the 9th Day of the Hebrew month of Av.

When we were recently in Rome, I was somewhat unnerved by the tour of the Roman Colosseum. As I learned that the Colosseum was built with some materials from the Second Temple and that a number of slaves who built the Temple were Jewish, I began to think more about Jewish suffering.

I spoke to a group  at a local retirement home recently and mentioned this.  One of the residents suggested that instead of dwelling on the sadness and tragedy, that we should celebrate that despite persecution, we are still here.

I hope that as we think about the modern meaning of Tisha B'Av, we will remember the sadness but will celebrate the joys of our faith, religion, culture, and civilization.  As we begin the process of preparing for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), let's think about what we can do to alleviate suffering in our world.  Perhaps we should celebrate our ability to be resilient as a people by demonstrating our gratitude for being here by helping those in need.  As Isaiah writes in the Haftarah (reading from the Prophets) on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), why do we fast if not to lessen the suffering in our world?

Finally, I remember that 40 years ago we combined a Tisha B'Av observance with a peace ceremony to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bombs in Japan.  We talked about the need to come together and work for peace.  As all of us face the challenges of living in our world, I hope that we might consider joining interfaith groups that come together to learn about each other.  Please note the following link about the IEA which is a group that sponsors dialogues throughout Israel.  We have a dialogue group here in the DC area and beyond which meets by zoom.  Why don't you consider joining us and if you want more information, please email me at rabbibruce@gmail.com with the subject IEA.  https://interfaith-encounter.org/en/

Today, I hope we will allocate some time to reflect on the past but pledge ourselves to working on some cause that can alleviate the pain that some members of our society are feeling.

May you have a meaningful 9th Day  of Av.  Please note a link below to My Jewish Learning and Tisha B'Av which can give you some background on this significant day including that it is one of the fast days on the Jewish calendar. (or put this in your browser if it won't open)

B'shalom,

Rabbi Bruce Aft

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