Thank G-d for Tisha B'Av

Issue of August 8, 2008

This optimistic/pessimistic outlook is an embodiment of what Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik would call a “dialectic.” Tisha B’Av is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, but we are promised that in the Messianic era, it (along with the other fasts) will be a day of tremendous joy (Maimonides, Laws of Fasting, 5:19).

A significant number of young, self-described “thinkers” have shared with me their difficulties in trying to understand Jewish practices that we have today. Mourning for old temples is a big one, though the hottest topic is usually the particulars of the role of women in the synagogue. Considering that weekly time spent in the synagogue, for both men and even more so for most women, is minimal (in the scheme of things), there are certainly other areas of life which can be ranked higher on the importance scale.

Anachronistic tendencies of current poskim in looking to forebears who may have been influenced in their decision by very different, often oppressive or pagan societies, are often called into question. While the greatness of the rabbis of previous generations is not questioned, various Talmudic statements and anecdotes, as well as the social context of many decisions, are readdressed with a 21st century, aggressively informed group of challenges.

This is, by every means, a positive challenge to which Torah authorities must respond seriously, without sweeping statements and outright dismissals. All opinions must be examined, Talmudic statements need honest explanations, and –– when need be –– we can resort to the ultimate reason for lack of change as “rabbinic weakness” in comparison to previous generations, or just that certain “leniencies” open the door to a slippery slope away from (what have become) traditional Jewish practices.

This is not to say halakhic authorities today do not take courageous stands on new topics. This is not to suggest that our current practices are wrong and outdated. But we are producing a new crop of intelligent, thinking young adults who will no longer be satisfied with swift, non-intelligent dismissals of their concerns.

Which is why I say “Thank G-d for Tisha B’Av.” Though it’s a 2,000+ year old observance, and despite the seeming anachronistic nature of mourning for the Temple, Tisha B’Av is a steadfast reminder of who we were as a people, and what we hope to become in the Messianic era.

Reading all the lashon hara and negative news in newspapers, websites and blogs, I hate to say indications do not point to a speedy arrival of the Messiah. The state of the world today indicates quite clearly to this writer that any claims of a Messiah having arrived are false.

Let us take a look at Maimonides’ depiction of pious behavior on Tisha B’Av Eve –– the day of 8 Av. Those who could handle it would not eat too much on that day (as opposed to Erev Yom Kippur, a big eating day): “A person was served coarse bread with a little salt, and would soften it in water, then eat it with water while sitting near the ovens. The person would sit with a feeling of worry and depression, while crying like a mourner who sits before his deceased relative. This is how the wise should act (or similarly). And now the custom is to not eat any cooked items on Erev Tisha B’Av, unless the 9th of Av falls on the Sabbath” (Laws of Fasting, 5:9).

Some of us go through the motions of the bread and the egg, and are very strict about eating an extra helping of ashes. We are careful not to eat with a zimun. But how many are really worried and depressed, crying as if our close relative has just died? [When Tisha B’Av falls on Sunday, these practices are not observed –– but they are real!]

We have no idea what a real Jewish life is supposed to be, as half of the commandments in the Torah relate to when the Beit Hamikdash is functioning, and are irrelevant without it.

We can talk all we want about anachronistic Jewish laws and practices, but until we can really feel how destitute the Jewish people are without the Beit Hamikdash, and until we can change the greater Jewish community to value every Jew, with no strings attached, and no judgments on others’ levels of observance, we will not see the Messiah in our days.

Thank G-d for Tisha B’Av. It reminds us of what we don’t have.

If people do not know, the best kind of outreach is education and real, non-judgmental conversations.

We can not impose our own lifestyles on others unless they want it, and we can not dismiss Jews who do not conform to our stringencies, no matter how ascetic or holy these stringencies help us feel we become.

Accept, protect, educate (non-judgmentally), and love your fellow Jew. Only when we truly recognize what we’re missing and how far off the true “Golden Path” we have strayed, can we even begin to wish that our constant prayer of “bimheirah b’yameinu amen” (that the Messiah might come speedily in our days) will come true.

Avi Billet is a mohel based in the Five Towns. His website is mohelformyson.bravehost.com.