Over These Do I Cry – Reflections On Tisha B’av

Napoleon Bonaparte was passing through the Jewish quarter in Paris when he stopped to investigate the strange cries and laments emanating from the local synagogue. His curiosity had peaked when he was informed that it was the Ninth of Av and that he was listening to the Jewish people wail over the destruction of their Holy Temple in Jerusalem. “When did this thing happen?” probed the inquisitive Emperor. “Some 1700 years ago,” came the nonchalant reply. Upon hearing this Napoleon remarked in a tone of awe and conviction: “A people who refuse to forget their past, are destined to forever have a future.”

“Whoever mourns for Jerusalem, will merit to witness her rejoicing,” as the Prophet (Yeshayahu 66:10) declares: “Rejoice with her greatly, all who mourn for her.” – Talmud

The Weekly Sicha of the Rebbe – Parshas Devarim

The Rebbe says:

1. With this week’s Torah portion we will read and study a new Book in the Chumash (the five books of Moses). So far this year we have experienced the Book of Bereishis (Genesis), the Book of Shemos (Exodus), the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus) and the Book of Bamidbar (Numbers). This Shabbos we begin the Fifth Book- the Book of Devarim (Deuteronomy).

2. As we have previously discussed, the portion of Devarim begins a new era in the life of the Jewish people. They are now beginning a life of exile where they would not see miracles every day, nor would their necessities be taken care of for them by G-d.

Moreover, as we have also previously discussed, Rebbe Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev explains that on this Shabbos of Parshas Devarim, which is called, “Shabbos Chazon – The Shabbos of the (prophetic) vision”, a vision of the third and final Beis Hamikdash (Holy Temple) is shown to the Soul of every single Jew.