On Tisha B’ Av we mourn. But we do not stay here. Tradition insists that even on Tisha B’ Av, the mourning softens by afternoon. We are commanded to get up from the ground. To rise. To don tefillin and inquire after each other once again. To resume life one small step at a time, culminating in a fierce, collective commitment to rebuild.
This year, this complicate, indefinable, overwhelming, second post-October 7 Tisha B’ av, we sit in sorrow— not to wallow, but to acknowledge. And then we will rise— not to forget, but to begin anew. That is commanded, too.
May our mourning awaken us. May our fasting soften us. May we hold each other again.
This is our work. This is our inheritance. May we be worthy of it.
As the rabbis who lived in the immediate aftermath of the Destruction of the Jerusalem Temple taught,“ Those who remember the destruction will merit to be part of the great rebuilding.” 5
May we be so blessed.
5
Taanit 30b
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