Why Mourn...
This Saturday night, we - joined by millions across the globe - will observe the fast day of Tisha b’Av; a day during which we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temples (both set ablaze on this day) & our nation's nearly 2,000 year-long exile. Thousands of books wouldn't suffice to chronicle the suffering our people have endured during this time. As we read on Tisha b’Av: "Behold and see, is there any pain like my pain which has been dealt to me, with which G‑d saddened me on the day of His fierce anger?" (Lamentations 1:12). Indeed, there is no need to burrow into our distant past. I need only speak of our grandparents who lived through the horrors of Auschwitz ; the stories they recount fill libraries.
But today many of us lead relatively happy lives. What is the meaning of Tisha b'Av for those of us lucky enough to be content with our jobs, have stable marriages, and lead relatively trouble-free lives?
The answer is this:
G‑d created each of us with a mission and the world with a purpose. We believe, as Jews, that there is a climax and objective that mankind must collectively strive towards and ultimately reach. And what might that grand finale be?
That this world reach spiritual perfection; that the presence of G‑d be palpable; that truth and justice instinctively reign supreme, and that each of us have an inner sense of peace knowing that G‑d truly runs that world.
There was one spot on earth where this notion was once felt and that was the temple in Jerusalem . Albeit temporarily, the temple radiated a sense of truth throughout the world. And now, almost 2000 years later, even as we enjoy a relatively peaceful life, we set aside this special day, we fast and mourn, and we turn to G‑d in heaven and say:
“Dear father, we’ve persevered for almost 2000 years; we’ve remained committed for centuries to your Torah and mitzvahs. Please, once and for all, remove the thick smog that prevents Your glory to be revealed & that allows evil, pain, & suffering to exist”
And this Tisha b’Av, as millions of children cry out to their loving father, G‑d will surely answer with a resounding, “YES” and send us moshiach (universal redemption) speedily!
Let’s do one more mitzvah today!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Raleigh Resnick
