This Tisha b’Av (2025)

 

How to focus on Tisha b’Av this year (Erev Tisha b’Av begins Aug 2 sundown thru Aug 3rd)?

No need to look back in history to the downfalls of the sons of Israel (Yaakov/Jacob) . . . We have enough to focus on since October 7, 2023, and continuing today. Bombs from the Palestinians, from Iran, from Yemen, from Lebanon, from Syria.

What’s different this year is that the sons of Israel didn’t cause the current woes.

We are the target of jealousy from the sons of Esav (Esau). Therefore, the heavens are fighting on our behalf.

Victory in Gaza, in Iran, in Lebanon, from Yemen, and now Israel is occupying parts in Syria!

Yet there still is a lot to focus on . . . the rift within the Israeli people (liberal/conservative), selfishness and greed for position.

This Tisha b’Av we can run to the bomb shelter while the IDF Air Force intercepts, a tangible view that the heavens are helping us. It’s worth reflecting on all these things during Tisha b'Av. 

- By Jo Kaplan, CEO - Israel Relief Aid