What's New Rabbi's Article The Three Weeks
We are now in a very sad period of our calendar, which began with the Fast of Shiva Asar b'Tammuz, commemorating the time that a breach was made in the walls of Jerusalem. This day inaugurated the "Three Weeks", which culminate in the saddest day of the year, Tisha B'Av. Among other calamities, both of our Holy Temples were destroyed on that very same date.
But there are many rays of hope in these days. Our tradition teaches that Mashiach (our Messiah) will be – or already has been – born on this day. We also believe that Tisha B'Av will be turned into a day of joy and festivities, as it was in the time between the two Temples.
Most important is the fact that fasting and sincere meditation are powerful roads to teshuva (repentance). Since many of our sins were the cause of all this destruction, our road of return will surely bring about a rejuvenation of our people and the rebuilding of our Holy Temple.
During these Three Weeks, we sharply curtail our enjoyments by not having weddings or public feasts, and we refrain from haircuts.
Our mourning intensifies with the "Nine Days", which begin on the first day of Av (July 11 after sunset) and extend until Wednesday, July 21 at 1:00 P.M.
During this period, we do not eat meat nor drink wine, except on Shabbat.
Swimming for pleasure is not permitted, but one may engage in instructional swimming.
Only children's laundry, which needs immediate care, should be washed.
Tisha B'Av begins Monday, July 19 (Erev Tisha B-Av). Services will begin at 8:05 P.M. This is also the time that we must begin the fast. On Tuesday, July 20, Shacharit begins at 7:00 A.M., and Mincha is at 7:45 P.M. The fast ends at 8:49 P.M.
Let us all make these days meaningful and filled with hope that we will soon see the Final Redemption of our people and all mankind.
Rabbi Norbert Weinberg
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