The sight of a wreaking-ball swinging into action or dynamite exploding in a building evokes mixed emotions. The gaping emptiness that immediately follows evokes nostalgia for what was lost and onlookers perceive only destruction and ruin.
But a controlled demolition is typically a cause for celebration. The owner intends to replace the old edifice with something far superior. The current carnage provides the platform for future growth.
This Shabbat occurs on Tisha B’Av (the 9th day of Av) – the Jewish national day of mourning. Every major Jewish tragedy can be traced back to this ominous date. Both Holy Temples were destroyed on this day in 423 BCE and 69 CE respectively, and this serves as the most significant symbol of Jewish tragedy.
When Tisha B’Av occurs on a weekday, in addition to being observed as a 25 hour fast, we abstain from all physical pleasures and spend considerable time bemoaning what was lost and the tragic realities of exile. But since fasting and mourning is prohibited on Shabbat, this Shabbat will be celebrated like all others, notwithstanding the fact that it is such a profoundly sad day, and the fast will be observed a day later.
This schedule is not random. When the sages established the Jewish calendar they ensured that specific dates never occur on certain days of the week to preserve their significant observance. Would it not be appropriate to engineer the calendar in a way that Tisha B’Av should never occur on Shabbat so that it may be observed properly?
Tradition relates that in every generation there is one person who can be Moshiach, and as the Holy Temple burned in Jerusalem, the potential redeemer was born. For this reason we do not recite confessional prayers on Tisha B’Av, and we recite the inspirational prayer of Nacheim which concludes with praising G-d as the “Consoler of Zion and Builder of Jerusalem.”
So Tisha B’Av contains these two seemingly contrasting themes of exile and redemption: The destruction of the Temple (exile) and the birthday of Moshiach (redemption). Whereas on a regular Tisha B’Av the intense mourning and fasting takes center stage and one needs to pay close attention to discover the observance of Moshiach’s birthday – this year is different. Although the commemoration of the destruction is postponed until Sunday, commemorating Moshiach’s birthday remains on schedule and becomes the overarching theme and celebration of this Shabbat.
As in the analogy of the wreaking-ball, an informed observer understands that it paves the way for previously unachievable growth; we must always remember that the destruction of Tisha B’Av paves the way for Moshiach’s arrival.
Tisha B’Av on Shabbat provides us the opportunity to focus less on the tragic past and more on the brightest future. Just as our negative behavior caused the destruction of the Holy Temple and this 2,000 year long exile; it is our choices and behavior that will reverse it all.
Consider adding more minutes of Torah study to your schedule, doing an extra Mitzvah and giving more charity, because these are the things that will expedite Moshiach’s imminent arrival, ushering in an era of global peace and tranquility for all.