Tisha B'Av is always a difficult time of year - on in which we reflect on the Churban the loss of the two Batei Hamikdash (Temples) that stood in Jerusalem, and the concealment of Hashem's presence on earth that this absence represents.
On a certain level in our era generally speaking, Tisha B'Av may feel somewhat reduced in its relevance, given that today we have a thriving and prosperous State of Israel that has enabled nearly half of the Jewish people to return to our ancestral homeland, fulfilling in part the visions of the nevi'im.
In the prayer of Nachem that we recite at Mincha on Tisha B'Av, we desperately cry out: "Lord our God, console the mourners of Zion and the mourners of Jerusalem and the city that is bereaved, destroyed, scorned and desolate. Bereft of her children, destroyed of her building, scorned of her glory and desolate of her inhabitants."
Is this truly an accurate description of Jerusalem today? When I was last in Jerusalem in February 2024, just a few months after the terrible Simchat Torah/October 7 attacks, what I beheld was a beautiful vibrant city, teeming with life, brimming with activity and creativity! This is not to ignore the real challenges that Israelis face, but it is hard not to hear the comforting prophesies of Jeremiah:
"Thus said GOD: Again there shall be heard in this place, which you say is ruined, without humans or animals—in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without humans, without inhabitants, without animals—the sound of joy and gladness, the voice of groom and bride, the voice of those who cry, “Give thanks to GOD of Hosts, for GOD—whose steadfast love is eternal—is good!” as they bring thanksgiving offerings to the House of GOD. For I will restore the fortunes of the land as of old—said GOD." (Jeremiah 33:10-11)
And yet we remember that at the same time, 50 Israelis remain hostage in Gaza, 5 Israelis were killed in the war since I last wrote -- Sgt. Inon Nuriel Vana, 20, of Kiryat Tiv'on, Cpt. Amir Saad, 22, of Yanuh-Jat, Sgt. Maj. (res.) Betzalel Yehoshua Mosbacher, 32, of Moshav Avney Eitan, Sergeant Major (res.) Vladimir Loza, 36, of Ashkelon, Staff Sgt. Amit Cohen, 19, of Holon -- antisemitism remains an elevated threat around the world. The losses of October 7 and the illusions that have been shattered since remain fresh in our hearts and minds.
It is particularly painful to read of Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas releasing propaganda videos of hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David.
We are powerfully reminded by these events of the lacking in the world with the absence of the Beit Hamikdash.
Recent weeks have also seen growing concerns - including in Israel, including among staunchly pro-Israel voices - about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. If you are like me, these concerns are troubling. While of course, I stand first and foremost with Israel, prioritize the needs of her people, and see our Jewish people as one, the idea of a human catastrophe and growing starvation at Israel's doorstep, connected to a war that Israel is fighting, is heartbreaking. Dan Senor's Call Me Back podcast addressed this issue in two recent epsiodes, published yesterday and on July 28. I highly recommend them to you in grappling with this.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
