B"H
Monday, Menachem Av 6, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / July 24, 2023
We are now in the Hebrew month of Menachem Av. The 9th day of Av is a fast day called, called “Tisha B'Av.” On Tisha B'Av we fast in mourning for the destruction of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem.
The fast of Tisha B'Av, this year begins this Wednesday evening, July 26 ending Thursday night, July 27.
Our sages say, "Mishenichnas Av Mema'atin BeSimcha" - "When [the month of] Av comes we minimize in happiness". Thus, until after the fast of Tisha B’Av, we don't celebrate or engage in joyous activities. We also do not eat meat nor drink wine (except on Shabbat) these days, until after Tisha B'Av.
The First Temple, which was built by King Solomon, stood for 410 years and was destroyed on the 9th of Av by King Nebuchadnetzar of Babylon.
The second Temple, re-built 70 years later, stood for 420 years and was also destroyed on the 9th of Av.
Although both Temples were destroyed on the 9th of Av (about 500 years apart), our sages draw an important distinction between the sins which caused the destruction of the First and Second Temples.
Our sages tell us that the first Temple was destroyed due to the sin of idol-worship.
The sin which caused the destruction of the second Temple was "Sinat Chinam" - "unjust hatred" amongst Jews.
The sin of idol-worship is one of the gravest sins in the Torah. Indeed, the second commandment of the Ten Commandments is the prohibition against idol-worship. Although the sin was so grave, only seventy years after the first Temple was destroyed, G-d forgave them for this sin, and they rebuilt the Temple.
The second Temple which was destroyed for the sin of hatred amongst Jews has not yet been rebuild after two thousand years!
This dramatically shows us how important is the sin of lack of "Ahavat Yisrael" - Love amongst our people. Thus, during the days before Tisha B'Av, it is customary to enhance our love for each other ("Ahavat Yisrael") through acts of kindness and the distribution of extra charity (Tzadakah).
At this time of the year when we need to add in love and unity among Jews even more than usual. We pray that G-d bless our people in Israel with the blessing of peace and unity amongst all Jews.
For, through Ahavat Yisrael, unconditional love amongst us, we will merit the Third Holy Temple - with the coming of Moshiach. May it be speedily in our days. Amen.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY