The Israel Forever Foundation

Shabbat Talks - Tisha B'Av

When Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat the fast is observed beginning from the end of Shabbat. While Shabbat is set aside for rest and separation from the difficulties of life, it is also an opportunity to increase our spiritual awareness through contemplation of the challenges and tragedies of Jewish history and where we are now in relation to them. This Shabbat we invite you to contemplate the importance of Tisha B’Av

Why Is Tisha B'Av Important For Israel?

Everything that occurred on the 9th of Av has a direct correlation to Israel, whether it occurred in the holy city of Jerusalem or outside of Israel. I believe that Jews everywhere, of all types and styles and levels of observance, can find meaning in this day. It embodies much of what we as a Jewish people hold dear: making our collective memory personal.

Together as One on Tisha B'Av

The 9th of Av, Tisha B’Av, is a symbol of all the persecutions and misfortunes of the Jewish people, for the loss of our national independence and our sufferings in exile. If we cannot stand together as one, especially when it matters most, we risk losing it all. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

I’m not religious so why should I care about Tisha B’av?

Tisha B’Av is the day of mourning for the ancient Jewish Temple. There is no doubting the centrality of the Temple in the heart of Jerusalem to Jewish life and history. At the same time, the Temple was destroyed almost 2000 years ago. Why does Tisha B’Av matter now? Why should a secular Jew care about the Temple?

Remembering Jerusalem

For Akiva Gersh, Jerusalem represents this eternal Jewish hope, a never-give-up attitude that is able to see past today's pain and hardship and see the better days that will one day come.