Tisha B’Av: This is Not A Happy Post
Tisha B’Av is not a good day. Perhaps no one day is inherently better or worse than another… But this is certainly not historically a good day for the Jewish people. Tisha B’Av, or the 9th of the Month of Av on the Jewish calendar, usually falls in July or August.
Religious Jewish people fast and mourn on this day, gathering together to pray and read the book of Lamentations. In the weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av many will not hold weddings or even close business deals. Some of the most horrific and traumatic events in Jewish history have occurred on this day.
Tisha B’Av marks the destruction of BOTH the first and the second temples in Jerusalem: first at the hands of the Babylonians in 586 BC, and then in 70 AD at the hands of the Romans. Jewish tradition dates both catastrophes to this same “day of disaster.” According to tradition, this date is the day that the spies returned from the Land of Canaan and brought a bad report, causing the people of Israel to lose hope of entering the Promised Land.
A myriad of tragic things have occurred on Tisha B’Av throughout history. Here are just a few more examples….
132 AD: The Bar Kochva revolt was crushed and the Jewish people were scattered, effectively beginning the exile/diaspora from the land of Israel.
1095 AD: The first Crusade was declared by Pope Urban II, bringing death and destruction to thousands of Jewish people.
1290 AD: The Jews were expelled from England.
1492 AD: The Jews were expelled from Spain & Portugal.
1914 AD: World War I began with Germany declaring war on Russia.
1942 AD: The Warsaw Ghetto deportations to the death camp of Treblinka began.
How does this connect with our world today? Well, the enemies of Israel also know about this terrible day. Israel’s enemies have taken advantage of the Jewish calendar in the past - for example, the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and Simcha Torah/Sukkot on Oct 7, 2023.
As of this writing (8.12.24), many think that they will try again this year on Tisha B’Av. Iran is currently threatening a major attack on Israel. Analysts of different backgrounds believe it is imminent. Israel's military leaders are advising soldiers not to fast this year in preparation. The atmosphere is tense in Israel as they are ready for attack, sitting in the ‘waiting game’ of Iran’s psychological warfare.
How can you pray?
For immediate de-escalation of the tensions between Israel and Iran (including its proxies in the Middle East - Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen).
For the peace of Jerusalem (Ps 122:6).
For innocents on both sides to be protected from harm.
For the hostages to be released. An outbreak of war right now would disrupt current ceasefire and hostage negotiations slated for Thursday.
For great wisdom for Israel's leaders.
For the Lord to work in the hearts and lives of people in the region, by his Holy Spirit, to draw them to the shalom of our Messiah Yeshua, Jesus.
For Jewish people all around the world. Remember to pray for your Jewish friends right here at home. And if you have questions about how to talk with them, don't hesitate to reach out to us!