Tisha beAv and Messiah

Tisha beAv and Messiah, our hope

Although the Roman Empire destroyed the Second Temple, Jewish tradition teaches that the underlying reason for the destruction was the practice of Jews speaking ill of each other (loshon hara) and spreading “senseless hatred” (sinat chinam).

The day of mourning also is being remembered as the period when the modern Israeli government three summers ago carried out the Disengagement program, which involved the forced expulsion of more than 9,000 Jews from their homes in northern Samaria and the Jewish Gaza region. The government, headed at the time by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his deputy Ehud Olmert, sent in soldiers and police, many of them dressed in black uniforms and riot gear, followed by bulldozers that destroyed Jewish homes.

The demolished sites, including the synagogues that remained standing, were handed over to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Within minutes, the over 20 Jewish houses of worship were in flames.

Terrorists immediately took over the grounds and began setting up training bases while the expulsion victims were deported to hotel rooms and other temporary housing.

Tisha B’Av is observed as a day of morning, and Jews sit on low stools until midday (approximately 12:45 p.m.) and refrain from greeting one another.

Eicha, the Book of Lamentations, is recited in synagogues around the world in the evening and, according to some traditions, also on the morning of Tisha B’Av. It was written by the prophet Jeremiah, who warned Jews to repent to prevent the fall of Jerusalem, which he prophesized. His advice not only was ignored, but he also was imprisoned for stating views that threatened the king’s power.

Torah sages also teach that the Messiah will be born on Tisha B’Av as a sign that there is yet redemption in all the destruction.

Taken from internet: Arutz Sheva / IsraelnationalNews.com
Tisha beAv 5768