A Moment in Time: “Tisha B’Av/ The Ninth of Av – A Day to Reflect on Why Israel Matters

Dear all,

I began to write this week’s message about 100 times.

With the recent Judicial Reform in Israel (which weakens the power of the Supreme Court), my heart sinks because I have so much love for the country.

The vote occurred during this week when we commemorate Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av. This day remembers the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

Our sages teach that “sinat chinam/ baseless hatred” within ancient Israel accounted for the loss of our homeland over 2000 years ago.

We can’t allow that to happen again.

When I stand with Israel, it doesn’t mean I stand with the current government. (And remember – the government will change).

It means that I with those who care about Israeli democracy. I stand for those whose voices are in jeopardy. And I stand by those who continue to sing our anthem of Hope.

I care about being a free people in the Democratic Land of Israel.

I care about being a thinking people in the creative Land of Israel.

I care about being a loving people in the peaceful Land of Israel

I care about being a dreaming people in the fruitful Land of Israel.

And I care about being a visionary people in the thoughtful Land of Israel.

In this moment in time, we can’t turn away. Let’s support those who care as we do. The flower in this photo from an Israeli desert will bloom again!

With love and shalom,

Rabbi Zach Shapiro