In a few days observant Jews will be immersed in a period of reflection and mourning,
remembering the most tragic episodes of our long and intense history, in what we call Ben
Hametzarim (the famous three weeks). These three weeks begin with the Fast of Tammuz
(July 17th) and conclude with the Fast of Av (August 7th). During this time all celebrations
and manifestations of joy (except for circumcisions) are banned since these are days of
sadness and bitterness due to the many tragic events which befell our people.
1. Moses felt the need to break the tablets
2. Torah scrolls were burned in the Roman occupation
3. Services in the Temple were interrupted
4. Jerusalem was destroyed
5. Later on in history the Edict of Expulsion of the Jews from Spain was issued...
The greatest of all tragedies is commemorated on the 9th of Av. -Twice on the same day
(different years) the Holy Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed.
The Talmud discusses extensively the causes that led to the destruction of the .Temple.
What was there in the conduct of our ancestors for G-d to allow for such a tragedy to take
place? Our sages offer a number of possible answers. However, the most accepted one is
MISHUM SIN'AT CHINAN -BECAUSE OF SENSELESS HATRED!
Yes! That was the main cause for the destruction of the Temple, and the subsequent two
thousand year exile: "hatred among Jews." One of the golden rules of Judaism is KOL
YISRAEL AREBIM ZE BAZE -ALL JEWS ARE RESPONSIBLE FORONE
ANOTHER. This means that a Jew cannot stand silent at the misfortune of another Jew.
This has made us a unique people, we Jews, regardless of our origin or cultural
background, have always felt a special bond which makes us care and act on behalf of
those other Jews who need us. Solidarity among Jews has been our greatest collective and
individual virtue.
When the Talmud established that the Temple's destruction was a consequence of hatred, it
was teaching us that when enmity prevails instead of solidarity, when the differences
between us make us feel that we are not one people, when within our nation we talk of "us
versus them", then the greatest tragedies will befall us. We can beat any external threat if
we are united; but, at the same time, we can become our own worst enemy.
Another reason given by the Talmud as a cause for the destruction is that at that time the
law was applied too rigorously. One can deduce from this that the application of Torah law
requires consideration and fiexibility and in many cases the absolute rigor shown by some is
only a way to hide other interests. If that is the case, the consequences can be tragic.
Let us learn from the past both as individuals and as a collective; let our interactions shine
by the absence of egoism and hatred; and let the presence of constant solidarity and
understanding, which are the traditional traits that have made us a unique nation, eventually
bring about the final redemption.