Today is the 9th Day of the Hebrew Month of Av, a day of mourning and soul searching regarding the many catastrophes that have afflicted the Jewish people over the generations on and around this date. The most striking tragedies were the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem, according to our sages, because of the sin of baseless hatred. As a result, the nation of Israel was exiled from its land 2,00 years ago. According to tradition, following the messiah’s arrival, Tish’a B’av will become a national day of celebration. May those who refrain from eating and drinking today have an easy and meaningful fast.
Rabbi Moshe Reiss
Director, Religious Zionist Program