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Last Sunday, known as Tzom Tamuz, the Fast Day of Tamuz, began the period of mourning called the Three Weeks, building up to Tisha B’av, the Ninth of Av, Judaism’s national day of remembrance, grief and renewed hope.
During this time, many of the worst moments in Jewish history took place.
Below is a list:
During the Exodus from Egypt
-Moses’ smashing the Tablets of the Law during the Golden Calf rebellion.
-The report of the 12 spies resulting in 40 years wandering in the desert.
Ancient Times
-The siege of Jerusalem, the breaching of the walls of the city and the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem and our exile from our homeland of Israel in 586 BC and 70 CE.
-The fall of Betar, last stronghold of the last revolt against Roman tyranny at the end of the Bar Kochba Revolt (135 CE).
Middle Ages
-The beginning of the First Crusade (1095 CE) resulting in the destruction of the Jewish communities of Western Europe.
-The Alhambra Decree exiling the Jews of Spain (1492) and bringing in the murderous rule of the inquisition, exiles and forced conversions.
-Expulsions from England and France.
Modern Times
-The outbreak of World War I in 1914 which led directly to World War II and the Holocaust and the murder of 6 million Jews and 5 million non-Jews.
-The beginning of the “liquidation” of the Warsaw Ghetto deporting hundreds of thousands to the Treblinka death camp. Over 265,000 were murdered.
-The 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina by Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists; 85 people were murdered and hundreds injured and the perpetrators have never been brought to justice.
Tisha B’Av, the “Black Fast”, falls this year on Sunday, August 3rd. Join us on Saturday night, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd for a journey through grief into hope: reading the book of Lamentations, prayer and viewing documentaries about coming through the darkness into renewed hope.
The story of Jewish tragedy is also the secret of Jewish resilience. Hope for us is not an abstract concept but a mandate to move forward, rebuild, regroup, re-envision and rise. Many national sagas describe a “Golden Age”, an idealized past. For Jews, our “Golden Age” is the future. Maybe that is why we commemorate the worst day of the year, the Ninth of Av, as also the traditional day set for the birthday of the Mashiach, the harbinger of redemption. These past two years of horror, the ongoing horrific ordeal of our hostages, war and bloodshed, and the years of Covid before them, have had their fill of grief, loss and tragedy.
Reliving our past, especially past challenges and how in each case, with G-d’s help, we were able to rise again to bring blessing to the world, helps us rise above all obstacles. Am Yisrael Chai!
Summary of Jewish Practice During the Three Weeks (July 13-August 3)
-Increasing Teshuva (acts and thoughts of self-improvement and repentance), Tzedaka (giving to the needy), and fixing relationships and prayer.
-Refraining from elective medical procedures, court cases or other situations entailing risk.
-Refraining from listening to instrumental music either live or recorded (practicing an instrument is permitted).
-Refraining from weddings, celebrations and parties apart from Brit Milah/Brit Bat.
-Refraining from haircuts and purchasing new items that would cause joy and celebration.
Nine Days (From Rosh Chodesh Av (July, 26th)
- “From the beginning of Av, we minimize joy.” (Talmud, Tractate Ta'anit)
-Many refrain from eating meat and drinking wine (aside from Shabbat).
-Many refrain from wearing freshly laundered/holiday clothing.
-Many refrain from bathing for pleasure (permitted for hygiene and for relief from the heat).
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