A View of Jerusalem from the south between 1898-1914 looking from the South towards the old city on the upper right hand side. Source here.
Tonight we usher in the 9th day of the Jewish month of Av, the day in which we mourn the destruction of the First and Second Holy Temples in Jerusalem. This day, called Tisha B'Av, is a day of mourning in which we abstain from eating and drinking, bathing, wearing leather shoes, and all joyful activity. We dress simply and in an unadorned manner, without makeup or perfume, we sit on low chairs and benches, or on the floor. We are mourners, lamenting the loss of something so precious, that we have not forgotten, even over the course of thousands of years. Our great temple, the Beis HaMikdash, was an amazing house of worship which brought peace to the entire world and to all peoples.
Through our tears may we merit to bring hope into the world, a sincere hope, that speedily in our days we shall witness the rebuilding of our Holy Temple once again. Amen.
A street scene in Jerusalem , date unkown. Source here.
