B"H
Thursday, Menachem Av 4, 5784 / August 8, 2024
Monday was Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the month Menachem-Av. With Rosh Chodesh Menachem- Av began the period known as “The Nine Days.”
These nine days lead up to the fast day of the 9th of Av, the day when the two Holy Temples were destroyed. From Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av until after the ninth day of this month, we commemorate and mourn the destruction of our Holy Temples in Jerusalem.
This Shabbat we begin reading from the Torah, the Fifth and last Book of the Torah – the book of Devarim. Devarim is always read on the Shabbat before the fast of the ninth of Av, also known as “Tisha B’Av.”
Q. What is the connection between Parshat Devarim and Tisha B’Av?
A. In Parshat Devarim Moshe, only five weeks before his passing, reprimands the Jewish people for all their rebellions throughout their 40-year journey through the desert. Now, before entering The Promised Land, Moshe, who won’t merit to go into the land, reminds the Jewish people to observe the Torah and mitzvot, for if they disobey G-d’s will, they will not merit to stay in the Holy Land and will be driven off it.
This lesson is appropriate at this time of the year, when we mourn the destructions of the Temples and the exile of the Jewish people from the Holy Land. It is a reminder to us of the importance of adhering to G-d’s commandments.
Q. To which particular sin is the destruction of the second Holy Temple attributed?
A. The sin for which the Second Temple destroyed was "unjust" hate and strife among Jews.
The Talmud relates an episode in which one of the wealthy people of Jerusalem had a friend called Kamtza and a foe named Bar-Kamtza. He sent his servant to invite his friend Kamtza to a party, but the servant mistakenly invited his enemy, Bar-Kamtza.
When the host noticed Bar Kamtza at the party he ordered him to leave. To avoid being embarrassed, Bar Kamtza offered to pay for his share of the meal. When this didn’t help, he offered to pay for half the party and then for the entire party but was refused. He made him leave in view of everyone there with great embarrassment. Bar-Kamtza was very angry, he went to the king and fabricated a lie that the Jews revolted against the king. This eventually caused the destruction of the Second Temple.
The purpose of mourning the destruction of the Temples is to bring about positive results. During this period we have to go to great lengths in showing our care and love for others. For this reason, it is customary to give extra charity during this time. May we merit the redemption speedily in our days.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW