Tisha B’Av: A Day of Remembrance and Responsibility

On Saturday night, we begin the observance of Tisha B'Av, the fast of the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av.

Tisha B’Av is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. On this day, we commemorate the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, along with a series of other tragedies that have shaped the course of Jewish history.

It is a day of mourning, fasting, and reflection, a day to look back and remember periods of profound loss and suffering in our collective past.

The Mishnah (Ta’anit 4:6) teaches that five major calamities occurred on this day:

  • The decree that the Israelites would wander the desert for 40 years
  • The destruction of the First and Second Temples
  • The fall of Betar, the stronghold of Bar Kochba, in 135 CE, ending the last major Jewish resistance to Roman rule
  • The Romans plowed over the city, destroying any remaining buildings and quashing any hopes that the Temple would be rebuilt

Over the centuries, additional tragedies befell our people on this same date, including:

  • The Expulsion from England in 1290, under King Edward I
  • The Expulsion from Spain in 1492, when Jews were ordered to leave or convert

These events are not just historical footnotes. They are chapters of a long and painful story that continues to echo in our own time.

With the emergence of the State of Israel and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, many have questioned whether Tisha B’Av and the mourning-like observances associated with it are still relevant, especially the practice of fasting. I believe, and I hope you do too, that Tisha B’Av remains essential.

It reminds us that:

  • We must learn from the past, not forget it.
  • We are responsible to help build the Jewish future with vision and commitment.
  • We are linked to the generations who came before us, who suffered and persevered so that we might live Jewish lives today.
  • We must reflect on what we can do to insure a more glorious Jewish future.

I hope you will make every effort to join us in observing Tisha B’Av this year.   As we observe, we remember. We mourn. And we continue the sacred work of renewal.

All Tisha B’Av services will be held at the JCCP/CBT in the Bodeen Chapel. The services will also be available on Zoom.  

The Fast begins Saturday Night at 8:11 PM

The Fast concludes Sunday Night at 8:52 PM

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