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As the Jewish world cracks open the binding of a new book, Devarim, we recognize that the prophetic words of Moshe were intended to be a manual for Jewish nation building (see Nahmanides 1:1). The Israelites gathered, with resolve, to enter the promised land and battle mighty enemies. Their challenge was to maintain their status as Holy Nation in the process. Not much has changed in 3,300 years.
Yet, it is striking that the tactic Moshe chose to inspire them is by listing the location of their tragic failures during their forty years of wandering. How is that motivational? Why not simply turn the page of Jewish history?
In truth, this was the predominant feeling of the early Zionists as well. David Ben Gurion declared: "Since our last national tragedy, the suppression of the Bar Kochba rebellion by the Romans, we have had 'histories' of persecution... but we did not have Jewish history." Ze'ev Jabotinsky described how, "Only after removing the dust accumulated through two thousand years of exile will the true, authentic, Hebrew character reveal its glorious head." In their quest to reconstitute a Jewish national homeland, these great historic figures chose not to look back & cast away 2,000 years of history.
It was precisely this sentiment that Moshe came to combat. Throughout the millennia, these downtrodden wanderers transformed civilization and became beacons of the spirit. Despite the hardships, their legacy refused to be reduced to "dust." On
Tisha B'av we not only mourn the loss of the Temple and our Commonwealth, but we shed tears for every community that was decimated along the way. Like Moshe, we even recite their names. Their depth, passion, and resilience fueled our future. In Jewish history their are no fresh beginnings - and that's a a badge of honour.
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WORDWIDE TISHA B'AV VIDEO EVENT 5777
EMUNAH (FAITH) FOR LIFE
Tisha B'Av - Tuesday, August 1st
At the Adas Israel
1:30pm &
6:30pm
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Please join us for our Women's Rosh Chodesh event with
Mrs. Shira Lipner
נחמו נחמו עמי:
Finding Comfort From Within The Struggle
Sunday, July 30th @ 8:00pm
לעילוי נשמת פנחס בן שמואל מרדכי
Hamilton Kollel
Women's Rosh Chodesh Event
For more info or sponsorship opportunities please contact Chaviva Kutnowski at hamiltonkollel@gmail.com
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On
Tisha B'Av, many national calamities occurred:
- During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 12 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE)
- The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. 100,000 Jews were slaughtered and millions more exiled. (586 BCE)
- The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, led by Titus. Some two million Jews died, and another one million were exiled. (70 CE)
- The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The city of Betar -- the Jews' last stand against the Romans -- was captured and liquidated. Over 100,000 Jews were slaughtered. (135 CE).
- The Temple area and its surroundings were ploughed under by the Roman general Turnus Rufus. Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city -- renamed Aelia Capitolina -- and access was forbidden to Jews.
- The Spanish Inquisition culminated with the expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'Av in 1492.
- World War One broke out on the eve of Tisha B'Av in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia. German resentment from the war set the stage for the Holocaust.
- On the eve of Tisha B'Av 1942, the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka.
II. Expressions of Mourning:
1. Parameters of Fast
Refrain from eating or drinking from Motzaei Shabbat August 13th (Saturday Night) at 8:24pm until Sunday, August 14th at 8:39pm. Those who are ill are often required to eat. Please consult a rabbi for the best possible procedures. A woman within 30 days after birth need not fast. Medicine may be taken on
Tisha B'Av (preferably without water). In case of great discomfort, the mouth may be rinsed with water. Great care should be taken not to swallow when rinsing. (MB 567:11)
2. Other prohibitions:
- Bathing or washing, except for removing specific dirt. Upon rising in the morning, before prayers, or after using the bathroom, one washes only the fingers.
- Anointing oneself for pleasure. (Deodorant is permitted.)
- Having marital relations.
- Wearing leather shoes.
- Learning Torah, since this is a joyful activity. It is permitted to learn texts relevant to TishaB'Av and mourning.
- Sitting no higher than a foot off the ground. After midday, (1:25 pm) one may sit on a chair.
- Not engaging in business or other distracting labours, unless it will result in a substantial loss.
- Refraining from greeting others or offering gifts.
- Avoiding idle chatter or leisure activities.
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Register now for Hamilton Hebrew Academy!
- Summer Daycare (space is limited)
- Licensed daycare soon to include infant program (space is limited)
- Preschool, Elementary School & Middle School!
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Register now for Hebrew Village!
Adas Israel's Hebrew School & Enrichment program for children of all backgrounds!
Tuesdays 5:45pm - 7:30pm
Hebrew Language , Jewish Living, Weekly Torah Portion,
Weekly Creative Art Projects with integrated Jewish themes.
(Starts Sep. 12, 2017)
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Hamilton Hebrew High: Get the Credit You Deserve!
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