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Tisha B'Av: Is The Time for Sadness Over?

There is an old phrase - somewhat tongue and cheek - which is used to define most Jewish holidays.

"They tried to kill us, we survived, let's eat."

But this Saturday, just after sundown, Jews around the world will observe a different kind of holiday, one which represents the opposite of the above definition.

On Tisha B'av, the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, we are traditionally reminded, "they tried to kill us, they did, let's fast."

Tisha B'av represents the anniversary of the day when both in 586 BCE, and 70 CE, the temples of Jerusalem were destroyed, by the Babylonians and the Romans respectively. The only remnant of the Temple which remains is the Western Wall which serves in many ways as Judaism's epicenter.

So, from Saturday night to sundown on Sunday, many traditional Jews will fast to remember the destruction of the temples, and to mark a number of other atrocities committed against the Jewish on the same day.

Yet, as Judaism continues to evolve, as we question all aspects of our religion and its modern practice, the question remains, "is Tisha B'Av still relevant?"

There is a story told of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who, one August evening, while walking through the streets of Paris, passed by a synagogue. He heard the sound of people praying and weeping. Turning to one of his aides, a Jewish officer, the emperor asked, "What's going on in there?"

"Tonight is Tisha B'Av," came the reply, "The Jews are mourning the destruction of their holy Temple."

Napoleon Bonaparte was dumbfounded.

"I pride myself in having one of the world's most sophisticated intelligence networks," he said. "If the Jews' temple was destroyed, surely someone would have told me. When did this happen?"

And the officer replied, "Over seventeen hundred years ago."

Napoleon stroked his chin for a few moments, and then said, "If the Jews are still crying after so many years, then this must be a religion based deep beliefs, tradition and character. I am sure that the Jewish people will endure, and that one day their Temple will be restored."

Yet every year at this time, more than two hundred years after Napoleon's observation, almost two thousand years after the destruction of the second Temple, I find myself asking, "Is it time yet that we stop mourning?"

For perhaps, if we continue to mourn, to sour our hearts, and to assume the worst of humanity, and if by extension we perceive an anti-Semite behind every bush, and ill intent within the actions and attitudes of other nations, then do we run the risk of incurring a self fulfilling prophesy?

For in my eyes, the city of Jerusalem and its temple have already been rebuilt -- not so much in terms of bricks in mortar, but rather in heart and in spirit.

As we look at Jerusalem today, we see a city bursting with activity. Jerusalem has become Israel's largest municipality. It is teeming with malls, nightclubs and restaurants. Tourists from throughout the world inhale the holiness of its three resident religions. It boasts a creative and inspired cultural community.

Within its office buildings and centers of industry, young people are developing new computer and medical technologies which are improving the lives of millions.

We witness within Jerusalem, albeit with some tension, three religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam for the first time in history, observing their faiths and practices openly and without restriction.

In many ways, if we chose to define rebuilding temples as a spiritual, rather than physical process, then we must conclude that the city of Jerusalem, since 1948 has experienced a miraculous rebirth.

The former head (Rosh HaYeshiva) of my rabbinical school Rabbi David Greenstein once shared with our class that within his observance, he only fasted "on days designated by the Torah." By that he meant Yom Kippur.

He shared that while he would observe Tisha B'Av, and its incumbent reading of the mournful Book of Lamentations (Eicha), there was an acknowledgement that this "man made holiday" comes from a different time, a different era, a different attitude.

We believe within our congregation that it is vital to study these sacred texts, and to offer opportunities to observe Tisha B'Av and its associated fast.

But I also believe it is  time we revisit how we frame this ancient day of mourning.

Indeed, not all holidays need to be about food and celebration. It is important for us to also remember those times within our history when we were victimized, and persecuted. In so doing, we become perhaps more humble and more appreciative of the freedoms that we enjoy.

I encouraged you wherever you live to observe Tisha B'Av by attending and participating in the reading of the Book of Lamentations.

We will do so here at 9 pm by read this stirring and mournful text  using flashlights to illumine the pages.

I recall a few years ago while on a trip t o Jerusalem reading the Book of Lamentations with a group on a hilltop overlooking the ancient city. And I never felt closer to Jerusalem and its three thousand year history.

It also made me proud as I looked to the west, how Israel, Jerusalem and the Jewish people have risen from the ashes of the Holocaust.

And so as I approach this year's Tisha B'Av  I feel sadness for the generations of Jews, who did live to see the rebirth of Jerusalem.

But I also feel pride and elation at what has been accomplished.

Let us therefore observe Tisha B'Av in celebration of the rekindling and revitalization of the Jewish spirit. For although the Temple itself has not been rebuilt, the Jewish heart, Jewish pride, and Jewish identify has.

Let us remember the souls of those who witnessed Jerusalem as it was burnt to the ground. But let us acknolwedge those who have helped rebuild our city, and the sacred spirit contained within.

For, in spite of daily challenge, there is great energy and vitality today within the walls of Jerusalem.

Let us never forget to "let the light in" on this traditionally sad holiday.

For as Napoleon Bonaparte observed two hundred years ago, the Jewish people and the temple of Jerusalem will forever endure.

Let us forever be embraced by its eternal light.

Shabbat shalom, v'kol tuv (with all goodness)

Rabbi Irwin Huberman