TISHA B’AV: A Time of Sadness, A Time of Unity

We are currently in the midst of the saddest day of the year, the 9th of Av. We read the megilla of Eicha together by the scenic tayelet that overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem, where we could see where the holy Temple, the Beis Hamikdash once stood, and where there is currently a Muslim shrine where it would be. Understanding the destruction is the key to understanding what we ate lamenting on this day. It’s a depressing observance, yet an inspiring one, because even though we are sad, we are not sad alone. We talked about the meaning of the day, we sang together, and then we headed back to the bus in pensive silence, having gained new perspective on where we go from here.