Eicha — Words of Torah (my blog!) — Rabbi Amy Josefa Ariel (she/her)

Lonely, sits the city once great with people. She that was great among nations has become a widow. The princess among states has fallen under their power. She weeps bitterly. Her friends offer no comfort. Her allies have betrayed her. Empty of festival pilgrims, her gates are deserted. My eyes flow with tears.

Every year we chant these words on Tisha B’Av and are reminded that lament deserves our time. Pain will not be forgotten, but can be held. There is no just future without having an honest reckoning with our past.

Jewish Holidays, TORAHAmy ArielJuly 16, 2020Tisha B'Av, Convergence on Campus, Lament, EichaComment

It's Tisha B'Av

Saying, "It's Tisha B'Av" is a little like saying, "It's 9/11." Tisha = 9th. Av is the month we are in. It's a date. This date is the major day of communal mourning in the Jewish calendar. The. If you haven't heard of it, I get it, and it might be the biggest day you've never heard of.

Jewish HolidaysAmy ArielJuly 22, 2018Tisha B'Av, Purim, Lamentations, Eicha, Temple, IsraelComment