Parashat HashavuaSeries'LibraryPiskei Din (Hebrew)Test YourselfNext Wednesday night - Thursday is Tisha B’Av. On this tragic date, the negative report of the Spies, the destruction of both Batei Mikdash as well as the fall of Betar, & the Inquisition all took place. A simple meal, with no meat, wine or zimun (call to order) at Birkat HaMazon precedes the fast. We may not eat, drink, bathe (you may wash your fingers upon waking), apply creams, ointments or lotions (except for medicinal purposes), wear leather shoes or have marital relations during Tisha B’Av. We avoid greetings & Torah study. We also avoid working, if possible, at least until midday Thursday. In the shul, we take the Parochet off the Aron on Wed. nite & Eicha (Lamentations) is said, sitting low, in dim light. Kinot are also said by day. Talit & T’filin are worn at Mincha on Thursday rather than at Shacharit. "Anenu" & "Nachem" are added to Mincha’s Amida. The Torah is read in the morning (Dev. 4:25) & also at Mincha (Shmot 32:11). Meat & wine should be avoided until Friday midday.
The Chanukah candles teach us that Jewish faith does not lose its strength. To the contrary, despite the hardships and darkness, faith persists, and even blossoms. The refined spirituality that is revealed through the Torah is eternal, and it grows.
Some Light Chanukah Questions. Eating in one house ans sleeping in another, when is the optimal time to kandle the Menora? Lighting candles in a Hotel, Where does a Yeshiva Bachur light? and more....