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Fasting on Tisha B’Av

when the Beit HaMikdash Stands

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon

aimonides states that the learn from the Sfat Emet that we fast not of our Land, and there is still a spiritual
Jewish people fasted on Tisha only because of the past, but also because deficiency, for we do not yet experience
B’Av during the period of the of the present situation. Our current trou- the Shechina (Divine Presence) among us
MSecond Beit HaMikdash: bles are an extension of the destruction of and Hashem’s rule over us.
the First Beit HaMikdash. This is why the
“In the days of the Second Beit HaMikdash Kinot (lamentations) on Tisha B’Av include At this time of the beginning of the
they did not fast on the tenth of Tevet, redemption, Tisha B’Av takes on a unique
nor on the seventeenth of Tammuz; but many events not directly connected to character. We have achieved so much, we
the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash,
rather whoever wished to fast – fasted, but which describe other troubles in the have seen the beginning of our redemp-
and whoever did not choose to – refrained tion – but we must also reach ever higher.
from fasting. Therefore the [emissaries for course of our history, such as the persecu- The higher we rise and the more we enjoy
tions of 1096, the burning of the Talmud,
the testimony concerning Rosh Chodesh] the gift of freedom, the more concern we
were not sent out on Tevet and Tammuz… the Holocaust, and the uprooting of Gush must show for those who are less fortu-
Katif and its residents.
leaving the choice to the people regard- nate and suffer hardship, and help them,
ing these days, whether to fast or not… Secondly, the fast reminds us that even too, fulfill their great dreams. Tisha B’Av
And they did fast on Tisha B’Av despite when everything seems fine, and the reminds us that there are many people
being given a choice, since on this date our Beit HaMikdash is built, we must live righ- in our society, including lone soldiers,
people suffered multiple tragedies” (Com- teously; the situation can, G-d forbid, at-risk youth and others – who need our
mentary to Mishnah, Rosh Hashanah 1:3). change. Sometimes we have it so good love and support. Showing solicitude for
that we fail to recognize our good fortune. these groups is by no means for their
The Sfat Emet (Rosh Hashanah 18b) explains Fasting even in good times is significant benefit alone. By elevating their lives and
that when the Beit HaMikdash was intact, because it reminds us of periods in the enabling them to aspire to greater heights,
the people only fasted on Tisha B’Av past when we were not so fortunate, and all of Am Yisrael will reach a higher plane
during periods of turbulence and subjuga-
tion to other nations, but not during times lacked what we have now. Sometimes, of existence, and will, please G-d, soon
one can see and appreciate the light only
merit complete redemption!
of peace. However, the straightforward when it is contrasted with darkness. Only
interpretation of Maimonides’ words is by reflecting upon the destruction can we
that they always fasted on Tisha B’Av. truly perceive the supreme and wondrous
Maimonides’ opinion seems odd. How is
it possible that people fasted when the Beit reality of the Divine Presence. This is the
goal of the Tisha B’Av Kinah “Eish Tukad
HaMikdash was intact?
B’kirbi,” “A Fire Shall Blaze Within Me,”
The simple explanation seems to be that which enumerates the wonderful things
the Second Beit HaMikdash was not com- that we had when the Beit HaMikdash
plete. The returning exiles themselves stood, which are missing today. Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon
wept because of this. The Second Beit is Head of Mizrachi’s Educational
HaMikdash lacked two vital elements – Hashem has granted us many kindnesses. Advisory Board and Rabbinic Council.
We have been fortunate enough to return
the Ark and Divine Revelation, and so the He serves as the Chief Rabbi of Gush
people continued to mourn the destruc- to our homeland after two thousand Etzion, Rosh Yeshivah of the Jerusalem
years. We have been granted a state of our
tion of the First Beit HaMikdash, when own and have seen much of Yerushalayim College of Technology and is the Founder
these elements were present. and Chairman of Sulamot and La'Ofek.
returned to us. We see the Torah flour-
Though this answer is certainly correct, ishing. However many elements are still
there are additional reasons why the missing. Sadly, the Beit HaMikdash remains A member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau
people continued to fast on Tisha B’Av. We destroyed. We do not yet have full control mizrachi.org/speakers

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