During the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, Tisha B'Av takes place. It’s one of the most solemn days on the Jewish calendar. The day primarily commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temple. However, people also focus on other events that caused pain and grief for the Jewish people.
The historical context of the date
The origins of Tisha B'Av began at 586 BCE when the First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The day also marks the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, along with other tragedies that have taken throughout the years.
How the day is honored
Tisha B'Av kicks off with a 25-hour fast that starts at sunset the evening before and ends at nightfall the next day. During this time, Jews refrain from eating, drinking, wearing leather shoes, bathing, and having sex with their spouses.
The lights are dimmed in synagogues, and people sit on the low stools or the floor while reading the Book of Lamentations and reciting kinot. The mood is somber, and everyone has a sense of sadness. They also understand that this day reflects on suffering and hopes for redemption.
The importance of communal mourning
Collectively, mourning is something that is important to the Jewish people. It helps them understand what they’ve been through as a group. It gives them the opportunity to look at their history and understand where they have been.
Mourning communally is also important because it highlights why the current struggles exist. The problems that the Jewish people face today aren’t new, and they’ve been going on since the beginning of time. The Jewish people and the state of Israel are under constant threat, and that is always true. At no time has there ever been a threat, and ceremonies like this are important to make sure no one forgets.
Why reflection is so important
As mentioned, the understanding that there is a constant struggle and that it is what brings the Jewish people together is the most important thing. Now is the time for reflection, prayer, and to ask God for more direction.
Now isn’t the time to feel hopeless, but instead, to fill your life with hope. God has led you to this path for a reason, and it’s that reason you continue on. Reflecting on how you got here and where you’re going is what you should be doing during this time.
Sadness has its place, but you must also reflect with a calm mind. You have to look at the world around you and understand where you’re at and how God can help. These are not times to wither on the vine but yet to become strong and understand your role in the future.
Sadness and sorrow are abundant
Yet somehow, after the observation of this painful time, the Jewish people come out of it with a renewed sense of hope. The past should never be forgotten, and the future is uncertain, but if your faith in God is unwavering, you know you’re on rock solid foundation.
Wishing you a wonderful and sacred day!
See you in the next post,
Tohar Liani