Tishah B’Av, which means the “Ninth of Av”, refers to a traditional day of mourning the destruction of both ancient Temples in Jerusalem. In contrast to Orthodoxy, Reform Judaism has never assigned a central religious role to the ancient Temple. Therefore, mourning the destruction of the Temple in such an elaborate fashion did not seem meaningful. More recently, in Reform Judaism Tishah B’Av has been transformed into a day to remember many Jewish tragedies that have occurred throughout history.
This year, Tisha b’Av occurs on the 9th of August – Av, August, both on the 9th of the month, those are just coincidences of course. But they strike me as such. Traditionally for me, August is a month when I am rushing to prepare for the back-to-school months, that are always hectic, as a for a lot of parents.
Pausing and slowing down to reflect on Jewish history is a good thing.
Some of my friends observe the fast of Tisha b’Av very seriously. I honor and respect that, although I personally never fast. But I do take seriously the ambiance that surrounds the sad holiday, and I am impressed by the message it displays. Because the Temple was destroyed not only once, but twice, and because traditionally the explanation for these destructions lay in the hatred that was tearing up the Jewish people, I always find it interesting to think about the crisis that are still dividing us, as a people and as a nation.
I am very eager to work towards reconciliation when conflicts arise. Such resolution is a difficult endeavor, but it is definitely worth working on.
In this spirit, I invite everyone to reflect and find the areas where division and disagreement are susceptible to destroy something that we deeply care for. And to join in to find healthy ways to resolve.
May the places we love always be rebuilt when they crumble.
To learn more about Tisha B’Av
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