As the sun sets on the eve of Tisha B’Av, my heart feels the weight of this solemn day. Tisha B’Av resonates deeply with every Jew as we mourn the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem, the expulsion from Spain, and countless other tragedies, including the Holocaust. Now, as if history itself were repeating, Iran and Hezbollah have chosen this day to threaten Israel, using its significance to try to break our spirit.
This isn’t just a military threat; it’s psychological warfare aimed straight at our hearts, intended to fill us with fear and doubt. But as I reflect on this, I’m reminded of the story of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd, stood before the giant Goliath with nothing but a slingshot, unafraid. While everyone else cowered in fear, David saw the giant for what he was—a bully he could defeat. And he did, with a single stone. The Talmud also teaches that the mightiest can be undone by the smallest. These stories remind us that even the smallest act of courage can make all the difference.
This year, I’m observing Tisha B’Av here in the Land of Israel—the place our ancestors longed for and the place I now call home. There’s something deeply profound about being in this land. Walking through the hills and valleys mentioned in our sacred texts makes the connection feel immediate and real. These are the same landscapes where David fought Goliath, Jeremiah, and Isaiah walked and prophesied. The words of our sacred texts, which we read year after year, take on a new resonance when you live where these events unfolded.
Last night, I attended a gathering at Rabbi Katz’s synagogue in Efrat. Despite the somberness of the day, the evening felt warm and comforting. We began with a light supper on the rooftop, sharing food and conversation. As the sky turned dusky pink over the hills of Judea, there was a sense of unity—a quiet strength from being together during these challenging times. Later, we moved inside for prayers, talks, and songs.
Hearing Rabbi David Aaron speak about the soul’s journey on Tisha B’Av gave me a new perspective on the day—not just as a time of mourning but as one of deep spiritual significance. Rabbi Dr. Yosef Bronstein then shared the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s view on Tisha B’Av, speaking about the seed of redemption found even in our deepest sorrow. It’s a powerful reminder that Tisha B’Av is not only about our losses but also about the hope we carry and the belief that we can and will rebuild from these ashes.
As we enter Tisha B’Av tonight, I hold onto that hope. Yes, the threats are real, and the pain of our history runs deep, but so does our resilience. Like David, we face our challenges with courage, knowing that sometimes the smallest, most unexpected actions can have the greatest impact. We are one people with one heart, and our unity is our greatest strength.
May this Tisha B’Av bring us closer to healing and redemption, and may we soon see the day when our mourning turns to joy.