Tisha B’Av: A Day of Reflection and Hope Amidst Tragedy
Jewish scholar Irene Lancaster reflects on Tisha B’Av, the most mournful day in the Jewish calendar, and explores how hope emerges from despair.
The Fast of Av, or Tisha B’Av, commemorates the destruction of Jerusalem on two significant occasions, a day steeped in Jewish sorrow and reflection.
Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, a prominent Jerusalemite and former Deputy Mayor, expressed profound love for the city despite its conflicts. In his biography, as translated by Dr. Irene Lancaster, he states:
“I profoundly love this city. I love her because she is a city of contradictions and conflicts…one thing unites all Jerusalemites; their unique love of Jerusalem, a love like no others: ‘Seek the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper that love thee’ (Psalms 122:6)” (Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen: pp 227-229).
The peace of Jerusalem, paradoxically born from its turmoil, reflects the city’s complex history. The Talmud Yoma (9b) attributes the First Temple’s destruction in 586 BCE to idolatry, immorality, and bloodshed, while the Second Temple fell in 70 CE due to sinat chinam, or baseless hatred, despite the Jews’ observance of Torah and mitzvot.
The prophet Micah, from the 8th century BCE, offers a path away from such hatred, emphasizing justice, love for kindness, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8). This suggests that true intention (kavannah) is critical, beyond mere ritualistic behavior.
Historically, idol worship led to moral decline, and during the Second Temple Period, known as ‘400 silent years,’ divine prophecy ceased with Malachi, leaving the people vulnerable to division and loss.
Yet, hope persists. The Midrash teaches that from the Temple’s destruction, the Messiah was born, suggesting that Tisha B’Av could transform from a day of mourning to one of joy. Amos, a contemporary of Micah, also provides hope, urging Israel to rise again (Amos 5:2).
In the Book of Eicha (Lamentations), written by Jeremiah, a shift from despair to hope occurs in chapter 3. The Hebrew word for hope, ‘ochil,’ relates to childbirth, signifying emergence from darkness to light. This hope is both patient and expectant, as reflected in Israel’s national anthem, ‘Ha Tikvah.’
Jeremiah’s writings remind us that God does not abandon humanity forever, encouraging introspection and return to the divine. Talmud Yoma 8(b) emphasizes that true repentance (teshuvah) reaches the Throne of Glory.
The story of Jerusalem’s liberation in 1967 after the Six-Day War illustrates this journey from exile to renewal. Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen and Reb Aryeh Levin experienced a profound moment of connection to generations past as they approached the Kotel, realizing a long-held dream of returning to their sacred city.
Reb Aryeh Levin captured this sentiment: “In the twinkling of an eye the whole picture becomes clear to you…This is exactly what is happening to us now. We are just about to enter the Old City, walking on foot to the Kotel. Are we not ‘like dreamers’?”
This liberation, following centuries of exile, embodies the hope and perseverance of the Jewish people, a testament to their enduring faith and the potential for a future redemption.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
