Today is Tisha B’Av, or the fast of the ninth of Av. It is a day of fasting and a day of extreme mourning, honoring and remembering the fact that the first and second Temples were destroyed. It also commemorates the fact that the Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492, among other reminders.
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin summarizes Tisha B’Av eloquently on Face Book, where you can join in the discussion.
If you are fasting today, have an easy and spiritually meaningful fast.
I have personally found meaning in reading Isaiah…40:1 through 66:24. I have also read Lamentations.
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Thursday July 30, 2009 – 9th of Av, 5769
I just learned from an article on my blog by Prof. Gary A. Rendsburg that Isaiah 40 onward was probably written by a different Isaiah, accounting for the difference in tone from the previous chapters.
Take care.
By: Leora on July 30, 2009
at 7:08 pm
The different tone is quite obvious, in my opinion. Thank you for the information.
By: jewwishes on July 30, 2009
at 7:48 pm
“Most people have history;
The Jews have memory.”
aloha-
By: cloudia on July 30, 2009
at 9:55 pm
Indeed…
Shalom.
By: jewwishes on July 30, 2009
at 11:17 pm
I hope your fast was meaningful.
Would it sound odd if I said I actually find these days more spiritual than the joyous festivals?
The picture of the ark is beautiful – where was it taken?
By: rachel on July 31, 2009
at 3:13 am
Rachel: I took the photo at Mickve Israel, a beautiful and old Shul in Savannah, Georgia. I toured the facilities, and they let me take a photo of the Ark.
No, it doesn’t sound odd at all. I think on the more serious and profound occasions, my spirituality is illuminated more.
By: jewwishes on July 31, 2009
at 9:57 am