Rabbi Blog

We are approaching Tisha B'Av in a little less than a week. Unfortunately, this year, Tisha B'av hits close to home in more ways than usual. After everything that has unfolded the past 10 months, Tisha B'Av will give us a moment to unpack these experiences and their place in Jewish history.

A reminder that Mincha is at 6:00 PM today; fast begins at 7:56 PM; and Maariv/Eicha at 8:30 PM.

I wanted to call attention to the educational/programmatic elements of this day:
-The 8:30 AM Shacharis will include kinos commentary particularly (though not exclusively) geared towards post-October 7. We will also include a couple of kinnos that were composed in the aftermath of that day.

-I will give a shiur after the early mincha (appx. 2:10 PM) on “Stages of Grief: From Eicha to 5784.” It will be available in-person and on Zoom.

-Three videos will be screened:
3:00 PM - "Serving on All Fronts" - It is a documentary of the “Swords of Iron War" through the eyes of students, staff, and alumni of Yeshivat Har Etzion in Alon Shvut and the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women in Migdal Oz. Rabbi Moshe Taragin of Yeshivat Har Etzion offers a thought-provoking video introduction to the film.
This video is not publicly available, but, having seen it once already, I recommend coming to see it. It is very powerful. Here are two short trailers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wCy5IPzqkk, https://youtu.be/U_TcDSn6bDw.

4:00 PM - Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation: Unbreakable
The world at large has turned against us. We need to fight back — but what can those of us not on the battlefront do every day? How can we show Hashem we got His message, and that we're ready to end the pain? This year's Tisha B'av Event gives you a realistic, yet inspiring look at what kindness and caring really look like. Walk out with a new level of hope, understanding and clarity on how to make our homes, our hearts, and our nation unbreakable.

5:30 PM - Project Inspire - Project Inspire: “A Little Bit of Light: Untold Stories from Deep Within Hamas Captivity”

While the focus of this day is heavy, Tisha B'Av will be an opportunity to come together to mourn as a community.

May we hear Besoros Tovos very soon.