From the Rabbi

This coming Sunday evening, we will be marking Rosh Chodesh Av, the start of the month of Av. From the first to the ninth day, Av is best known for its somber and even mournful quality, culminating with the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, the 25 hour fast day known as Tisha B’av. Tish B’Av commemorates the destruction of both of our Temples and the loss of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. It also commemorates other notable tragedies in our long history, including pogroms and the Exile from Spain.

There is a disconnect at this moment between the Hebrew calendar which stresses mourning and recalling tragedies that occurred throughout our history and the secular calendar which emphasizes the beautiful, sunny days of summer and the many ways to enjoy them. Jewish tradition wants us to feel at least some of the historic pain of these days and legislates a number of practices to that end. We refrain from meat and wine (grape juice, too), except on Shabbat. We do not shave or take haircuts. We avoid live music and gatherings where live music will be the primary form of entertainment. We do not plan or attend weddings. We do not purchase new clothing to avoid saying the shecheyanu blessing. We do not begin discretionary home improvement projects now. We do not go swimming for pleasure. (Bathing and showering for cleanliness is permitted, as this is considered a necessity of daily living by today’s standards.) Of course, the period comes to it crescendo with a fast, that, like Yom Kippur, lasts for 25 hours.

The very first mitzvah imparted to the Jewish people still in Egypt was to mark time according to a uniquely “Jewish” calendar. Marking time in sync with other Jews and in response to singularly Jewish events was seen as a mark of solidarity and helped create and ever present sense of community. This is something needed more than ever, today.

As we move through the first nine days of Av, may we all evince a greater sense of caring and compassion and may we come together in solidarity and community.

Shabbat shalom!