Tisha B'Av

Saturday, August 9, 2008
7:30 pm

According to Jewish tradition, the 9th of the Hebrew month of Av marks the date when our Holy Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E., and then by the Romans in the year 70 of our era.  We have also layered other historical tragedies onto this date, including the expulsion from Spain in 1492.  This day is a fast day, similar to Yom Kippur; the spirit of the day is one of mourning.

In our community, we observe a special service on the eve of Tisha B'av.  The sanctuary lights will be dark, except for a few candles, those of us who can sit on the ground will do so, we will sing and pray together and listen to selections from the mournful megillah (scroll) of Lamentations.

Whether this tradition is familiar to you or new, I hope you'll join us in exploring its meaning.

Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg

Follow this link for more information about Tisha B'av.

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