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We are now in a very sad period of our calendar, which began with the Fast of Shiva Asar b'Tammuz, commemorating the time that a breach was made in the walls of Jerusalem. This day inaugurated the "Three Weeks", which culminate in the saddest day of the year, Tisha B'Av. Among other calamities, both of our Holy Temples were destroyed on that very same date.
But there are many rays of hope in these days. Our tradition teaches that Mashiach (our Messiah) will be – or already has been – born on this day. We also believe that Tisha B'Av will be turned into a day of joy and festivities, as it was in the time between the two Temples.
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RABBINIC DIRECTIVE ("P'SAK")
This Rabbinic P'sak is to inform all congregants and others that no food prepared in anyone's home may be brought into the synagogue kitchen. This [prohibition] includes any bowls or other utensils.
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The Hebrew month of Tammuz has begun with its portent of the summer, accompanied by the beautiful revival of nature in all its splendor. Yet there is a sad historical note for us because on the 17th day of this month, which is a fast day, a three week period begins which culminates in Tisha B'Av, the saddest day in our calendar, the day on which both Holy Temples were destroyed.Our annual cycle has six fast days, all of which commemorate an aspect of our exile. Let me summarize them in a short review: Read more...
We were picked up at Ben Gurion airport by my grandson, Tzviki. He is now a "Mefaked" (Commander) in the army, where his name is Tzvi. It was a wonderful reunion. On the way to Jerusalem, he pulled the car to the side at 10:59 A.M. One minute later, sirens all over Israel began to sound for two minutes. We left the car and stood at attention as did many other cars and trucks. All Israel came to a halt to remember the fallen soldiers who gave their lives to make the miracle of The State of Israel a reality.
We were taken to Efrat for the forthcoming celebrations. First, there were to be services in the synagogues, after which a huge celebration was to take place. Some of my grandsons, together with others, decided to have the services outside in an open field. As the sun descended and darkness fell, Yair played his guitar as we sang sad songs marking Yom Hazikaron. Suddenly, Dani introduced me to the group as his grandfather. "How do you feel," he asked, having lived through the beginning of the Holocaust in Germany, and now being here in Israel with such a large part of your family?" I was so so overcome by emotion that I simply had no words to respond.
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