Sunday, 22 July 2018

More on Tisha B'Av

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Because this (non-biblical) holiday falls in the summer, while many activities and classrooms are on break, Tisha B'Av does not get taught the way many other holidays (like Purim and Chanukah) do. Without that indoctrination, we tend to ignore or lack appreciation for the 9th of Av.

The major events that mark the 9th of Av is that the first Temple was destroyed on the 9th of Av in 587 BC and the second Temple was destroyed on the 9th of Av in 70 AD. There are many other adverse events that took place on this date in which the Jewish people were persecuted, punished and many were murdered. The list extends even into modern times (such as the Gush Katif expulsion from Gaza which began the day after (on the 10th of Av).

All of these adverse events are promised compensation in Scripture. These promises are too numerous to list, but you could help me by replying with one of your favorites. What is your favorite Scripture that promises a blessed future for the Children of Israel? Here is mine: Ezekiel Chapter 13.

Ezekiel sets this up in verse 17. "Now you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them." Then He concludes the prophesy with this. Verse 21 "I will tear off your veils and deliver My people from your hands. They will never again be in your hand to be hunted. So you will know that I am Adonai." And then, 23 "therefore you will no longer see false visions or utter lying divinations again. I will deliver My people out of your hand. Then you will know that I am Adonai."

Am Yisrael Chai (The people of Israel live!)