Tammuz, Av and the Zodiac

This is a continuation of: Tammuz, Av and Divine Names From: Rodney Dear Rabbi, Since the months with holidays are considered “good months”, are the months of Tammuz and Av considered “bad months”, since they have days that commemorate the destruction of the Temple? Dear Rodney, In the previous installment, we explored the permutations of[…]

Tammuz, Av and Divine Names

From: Rodney Dear Rabbi, Since the months with holidays are considered “good months”, are the months of Tammuz and Av considered “bad months”, since they have days that commemorate the destruction of the Temple? Dear Rodney, Since you ask about multiple months, and since there is a lot to discuss, and since the discussion is[…]

Response to Ruin

From: Carrie Dear Rabbi, Thank G‑d we are witnessing in our days a great rebuilding of our People and Homeland. Yet, it seems that most of our Holy places are still in ruin or occupied by others. How are we to relate to this “ruin” and why is it continuing? Dear Carrie, Regarding one who[…]

Building with Tears

From: Tzvi Dear Rabbi, Every thinking and sensitive Jew will recognize the need to regret the lack of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. However, since the practices associated with the period up to and during Tisha b’Av are so much about mourning, it makes me wonder whether we should feel the loss so palpably that[…]

Joyful Mourning

From: Manya Dear Rabbi, The three-week period of mourning for the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash is always so depressing. There are so many don’ts, that I personally feel overwhelmed and overly-limited. Is there anything positive that can be done during this period to help us remember the Temple and stir up longing for its[…]

Mourning on the Mount

From: Monica in Israel Dear Rabbi, During this period of mourning over the destruction of the Temple, I was wondering if it permissible to go up to the Temple Mount in order to enhance our feeling of loss, and also to demonstrate our desire that the Temple be rebuilt. Thank you. Dear Monica, I cannot[…]