Tisha B’Av, which marks the destruction of both Temples as well as several other tragedies throughout history, is perhaps the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. It is marked by nine days of mourning leading up to it, culminating in a 24-hour fast, which begins tonight at sundown.
Since the assassinations two weeks ago of both Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon, Israelis have been bracing for a retaliatory attack. Some fear it could come Tuesday, and that Israel’s enemies have been waiting to strike on this historically propitious day.
Citing Israeli intelligence sources, Axios reported Sunday night that the situation is “still fluid” but an attack could come before ceasefire-for-hostage talks resume on Thursday. Hamas said it would not take part in those talks.
We’re starting this morning with a few stories about Tisha B’Av and then we’ll move on to other news …
Opinion | Tisha B’Av is a holiday about grief. Can it still be meaningful after Oct. 7?“The holiday is a vessel crafted to hold our personal and collective grief and trauma as we remember the times that humans have failed at being our best selves,” writes Rabbi Susan Talve. But, she worries, “this is the first year that I have feared Tisha B’Av will not be able to hold our sorrow.” Read her essay ➤
More on Tisha B’Av… It’s the first Tisha B’Av since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. Some synagogues have introduced new liturgy.
A new film details the Jewish civil war that ultimately led to the destruction of the Temple.
Watch this three-minute video to learn how to talk about Tisha B’Av in Yiddish.
Plus… The United States confirmed Sunday night that it had deployed the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, to defend Israel against Iran and its proxies.
Lufthansa and other airlines have extended their suspension of flights to Tel Aviv until Aug. 21. Delta and United have also paused flights to Israel. | 