Tisha B’Av: Do We Still Need To Fast Over The Destruction Of Jerusalem?

Remembrance

On "Tisha B'Av" we remember the destruction of Jerusalem that took place on the Hebrew date of the 9th of Av. On this date in 586 BCE, the First Temple was destroyed and the Jews went into exile—something from which we never fully recovered. In Hebrew, Jews are called ‘Yehudim’, after the Tribe of Judah (‘Yehudah’), but what about the other tribes?

In 70 CE, forty years after the death and crucifixion of Yeshua, our Messiah and Savior, the Second Temple was destroyed on that very same day! This destruction marked the first sign and beginning of the second exile. Since this exile, the People of Israel are still in the process of returning & restoring our people, our homeland, as well as our faith.

These disasters happened on the 9th of Av along with many other tragic events, such as the expulsion from Spain in the year 1492. Traditionally, the sin of the spies mentioned in this week’s Torah Portion (‘Devarim’), also happened on this very day. That’s why this remains a day for soul-searching, to reflect internally on the reasons that led to this terrible destruction.

Tisha B’Av & Zechariah

The fast of the 9th of Av is the same fast of the fifth month (which is the month ‘Av’) mentioned in Zechariah chapters 7 and 8. The context of the mention of this fast is that of Jerusalem’s restoration. In Zechariah’s time, Jerusalem was being rebuilt, and so the question that arose was: Is there still a need to fast over the destruction of Jerusalem?

Zechariah responds twice. First harshly, and then with encouragement and hope. From the second response, which speaks of restoration after the destruction of the 9th of Av, we recognize the emotional prophecy unfolding in our own days, where: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.” (Zechariah 8:4–5)

Derech Eretz

The Ninth of Av remains a day of fasting and soul-searching, from the destruction of the First Temple until today. On this day of reflection, I hope we’re all inspired by the idea of ‘Derech Eretz’, a Hebrew phrase that’s perhaps best translated with ‘the moral way’. Because, beyond religion and faith, we should treat each other with kindness and respect. In my opinion, the well-known saying ‘Derech Eretz Kadma laTorah’ (‘the moral way precedes Torah’), is true! In our calling to be a light, we step out and make choices that align with a higher moral standard in all aspects of life.

From this week’s Torah Portion which is read all over the world on the eve of the fast of Tisha B’Av, I see a clear example of ‘Derech Eretz’ in Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22. Here we read how Moses describes conquests related to the Land of Israel and mentions of both familiar and unfamiliar nations and enemies: “That too was considered a land of the Rephaites, who used to live there; but the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. They were a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. The Lord destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place.” (Deuteronomy 2:20-21)

Moral Standards, Not Physical Power

This is just one example. Moses mentions other nations as well. But why does he mention all these nations? Moses mentions them to emphasize that each of these nations received parts of the Land of Israel as an inheritance. Even though they were strong and frightening giants, they disappeared completely from the land. It’s as if Moses says: The Ammonites inherited from the Zamzummim, and now we’re inheriting from them. Don’t repeat the same mistakes they made! Physical or military power isn’t a factor here, but it’s rather about morality and respect, or: Derech Eretz.

One night under the starry sky, God promises Abraham the land for his descendants who’d be as plenty as the stars. And yet, God delays fulfilling the promise by 400 years of Egyptian slavery. Why so? “For the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” (Genesis 15:16) The inhabitants of the land have a limit to their sins, and once that’s reached, they forfeit their right to remain in the land and God redistributes it. Moses explains that that’s exactly what happened with the Zamzummim, the Ammonites, the Amorites, and even with the giant Rephaim.

Moral Connection To The Land

There’s a connection between the morality of a nation and its duration in the land, which especially counts in the Land of Israel. This duration isn’t measured by physical strength, economic power, or wisdom; but rather by moral standards (and the measure for moral living is the Word of God!).

The Scriptures are the source for a godly life, and we should apply what we learn during our daily Bible study into our daily life, as: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17)