VOLUME 122 NUMBER 1
Av 3, 5786
July 17, 2026
Parshas Devarim//Special Tisha B’av Edition
Candlelighting Time 8:08
We often don’t assess well the results of our decisions. Being short-sighted is a problem which can lead to long term disastrous consequences. Perhaps that is a lesson to be learned from the destruction of the two Batei Mikdash that occurred on Tisha B’av. The custom that we follow is to not waive the restrictions that were enforced from Rosh Chodesh Av until the fast until noon of the next day, the 10th of Av. However, perhaps we should understand more profoundly the reason for this custom.
The Talmud states that the Beis Hamikdash was torched during the evening of the 9th day of Av. That means that although we fast on the 9th day, the actual destruction transpired as of the evening of that day. The Beis Hamikdash was consumed in fire until the next day the 10th of Av. Therefore, our custom is to remember that ignominious end and not return to our normal activities until noon of the 10th. However, it does appear to be somewhat odd that we fast on the 9th when actually nothing happened on that day. Although the destruction began toward the end of the 9th, however that day was the commencement of that tragedy. The Talmud discusses this and explains that it is important to commemorate the beginning of the destruction. Therefore, we fast on the 9th although the destruction didn’t occur until the 10th. This requires an in-depth explanation to grasp what the Talmud is relaying to us.
The success of an event is primarily factored into its embryonic state. All the planning and foresight that accompanies that objective set the stage for the ultimate achievement. As a rule, if the groundwork and prescience are executed correctly then the goal will be accomplished. This of course is the protocol when we plan for that which is good and beneficial. However, the same basic principle also applies when we unfortunately err in life and suffer the consequences of that poorly made decision. We know that the second Beis Hamikdash was destroyed on account of baseless hatred. Although the second Beis Hamikdash stood for over 400 years, however it is extremely unlikely that this cause for its demise occurred immediately before its fall. Obviously, there was a build up for many years, perhaps decades which eventually led to its collapse. Perhaps the seeds of its downfall were planted somewhat marginally but over the course of time the malady known as baseless hatred grew and developed into a major cancer which crushed the body, namely the Beis Hamikdash. Of course, once the enemy had penetrated the walls of Jerusalem on the 17th of Tamuz the end was in sight. And then when the Beis Hamikdash was accosted by the marauders then we were unable to repel them. When the Beis Hamikdash was ablaze, we could only stand by and wonder how could the enemy had been able to route the Heavenly spirit from our midst!
Although there were ample warnings from the prophets, they were largely ignored and their words fell on deaf ears. So, our Sages warn us to examine our deeds and approach to life from the beginning and endeavor to identify that which may be amiss. It is much easier to rectify when the problem is in its early stages then once it becomes a major issue. However, this is all predicated on the assumption that one is attempting indeed to mend his ways. And this is what our Sages conveyed us in starting the fast at the very beginning of the end.
A BYTE FOR TISHA B’AV
We struggle to envision what the Beis Hamikdash may have been like in its grandeur and majesty and yet we fail to grasp it. But as the Ramchal explains all the financial difficulties, a myriad of sicknesses and untimely deaths that we are afflicted with is a result of the ‘hester’panim’ that we don’t merit to see the benevolence of Hashem in our midst. And that should be on our mind at least one day of the year, Tisha B’Av as we sit on the ground crying and reciting Kinnos.
GOOD SHABBOS
