It is hard to believe that summer has arrived. As I begin to reflect on the enormous progress made at the Flatbush Jewish Center over this past year (5770), one accomplishment immediately comes to mind. I refer to the sizeable number of young faces that can be seen on any given Shabbat morning worshiping in our magnificent sanctuary. One cannot overlook the significance of a younger contingent of members in our congregation.

By that same token we cannot overlook our core group of elderly members who remain committed and devoted to sustaining and enhancing the Flatbush Jewish Center. We must think of our synagogue as a multi generational congregational family. In our current climate the Jewish establishment overemphasizes the concept of "numbers", thus prioritizing younger members and their families, leaving older more senior members feeling devalued in the greater community.

This is not the Jewish attitude. Our Messianic ideal is one that is inclusive of all generations equally. A beautiful description of Messianic times is written in the book of Zechariah: "...  There shall yet be old men and women in the squares of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of their great age. And the squares of the city shall be crowded with boys and girls playing in the squares (Zechariah 8:4-5)."

Judaism places value on all members of society as they all have a great deal to contribute.  Older members can offer their wisdom and experiences to enrich the community while younger members’ vitality can infuse the community with excitement and passion. We must seek to build a community filled with this ideal, where all members can play a valuable role and bring their unique characteristics to enable our community to truly being one serving God with all our strengths.

On July 20, Jews will commemorate the most tragic day on the Jewish calendar, Tisha B'Av, the ninth of the month of Av. On this day we remember the destruction of both Temples that once stood in Jerusalem as well as a number of other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the course of history.

Three weeks prior to Tisha B'Av we usher in a period of mourning called "Bayn Ha-Metsarim" - "in the Straits." This period begins on June 29, the 17th of the month of Tammuz.  On this day the Romans broke through the walls of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.; Traditional Jews refrain from joyous festivities and wedding ceremonies during these three weeks leading up to Tisha B'Av.

The period of mourning intensifies nine days prior to Tisha B'Av, when we usher in the month of Av. The Talmud tells us that "When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy." (Ta'anit 26)

Therefore the first nine days of the month of Av (beginning on July 12, and concluding on July 20, Tisha B'Av) are days of mourning for the two Temples in Jerusalem that were de stroyed during this time.

During this time, it is customary to refrain from eating meat and drinking wine as they are considered signs of luxury inconsistent with mourning. This would exclude the Sabbath and celebrations such as a circumcision, Bar Mitzvah, completion of a tractate of Talmud etc. It is also customary not to swim for pleasure during these days. Ritual slaughterers of animals put away their knives for these nine days and will only slaughter if there is a need for meat for a sick person, or for Shabbat, or for a celebration of a mitzvah.

The 9th of Av, Tisha B'Av is a fast day marking the destruction of both Temples - the first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.

The first Temple was destroyed because of three things: sexual immorality, widespread murder and idolatry.

The second Temple was destroyed because of one reason: baseless hatred (sinat chinam).  There was causeless hatred- ‘I know God. I am good. He is not right, he is the enemy.’ Because of that sentiment the second Temple was destroyed. The month of Av is a time to strengthen our commitment to LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR. It is not important what other people’s beliefs are. It is not important if they are an invalid or healthy. Just as the Holy Temple was destroyed because of causeless hatred, it can only be rebuilt through causeless love.

Tisha B'Av is the only full 25 hour fast day, outside of Yom Kippur. The final meal one eats prior to the ninth of Av must be eaten before sunset. This meal is called "seudah ha-mafseket." It marks the boundary between periods of eating and fasting. At this meal it is customary to eat round foods like eggs or lentils, which symbolize mourning in Jewish tradition because they evoke the cycle of life. Some people eat an egg or bread sprinkled with ashes, and some Jews may sit on the ground during the meal. The birkat ha-mazon (grace after meals) is said individually and in silence.

On Tisha B'Av, we abstain from eating and drinking. However, if one finds fasting difficult due to illness or other significant hardship they may eat and drink. Additionally we refrain from wearing leather shoes, engaging in sexual relations, washing one's body, and using perfume or other such ointments. Torah study is prohibited due to the joy associated with sacred texts. Study which lends itself to the proper frame of mind conducive to this day such as Job or Jeremiah, or sections of the Talmud or Midrash that discuss the destruction of Jerusalem is permissible.

Megillat Eicha (the scroll of Lamentations)--which is a lament for the destruction of the First Temple--is chanted during the Maariv service, along with several kinot, elegies or dirges written at different periods of Jewish history. The kinot speak of the suffering and pain of Jewish tragedy through the ages. An extended set of kinot are traditionally recited during the morning service. A special Torah reading and haftarah are recited as well. The Torah reading is taken from the book of Deuteronomy 4:25-40 and the haftarah is taken from the book of Jeremiah 8:13-9:23, which is chanted to the same tune as Lamentations the night before.

As an additional sign of mourning, Tallit (prayer shawl) and tefillin (phylacteries), usually worn during morning services, are instead worn during Minchah (the afternoon service).

The 15th of Av (which will take place on July 26,) is referred to as Tu B'Av. The Talmud speaks of Tu B'Av as a festive day when, "the young women of Israel used to dress in white and go out to the fields and the young men would follow after them." (Ta'anit, 4:8) Tu B'Av has no formal legal status as a holiday. Its origins are mysterious.

Following the nine day mourning period we move into a period of consolation. This is why the month is also referred to as Menachem Av (Av the Comforter). The Shabbat after
Tisha B’Av is called Shabbat Nahamu (the Sabbath of comfort). The haftarah for that Sabbath begins with the words "nahamu nahamu ami" ("comfort, comfort my people"). This haftarah is the first of seven special haftarot which offer prophetic words of consolation in order to comfort those who mourned for the temple. It commences a prriod of consolation leading up to Rosh Hashanah.

The 15th of Av (which will take place on July 26,) is referred to as Tu B'Av. The Talmud speaks of Tu B'Av as a festive day when, "the young women of Israel used to dress in white and go out to the fields and the young men would follow after them." (Ta'anit, 4:8) Tu B'Av has no formal legal status as a holiday. Its origins are mysterious.

The day went unnoticed in the Jewish calendar for many centuries but it has been rejuvenated in recent decades. The State of Israel promotes festivals of singing and dancing on the night of Tu B'Av. In its modern incarnation, this day is gradually becoming a Hebrew-Jewish Day of Love, slightly resembling Valentine's Day.

I am delighted that Joe Havelin has returned to the Flatbush Jewish Center after being in rehabilitation for several months due to a fall during the dreadful winter months. May he continue to grace us with his very warm presence for many years to come.

We are saddened by the loss of Edith Daskal, cherished and revered member of our very own congregational family who was summoned unto eternity on April 30, 2010. Edith was the wife of the late Meyer Daskal. Edith and Meyer were both very devoted to the Flatbush Jewish Center. It was their "home away from home" May the memory of Edith Daskal serve as a blessing to all of Klal Yisroel and Man Kind. May her family and friends be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. We also mourn the loss of Ethel Siegel.

With Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthful, Meaningful and Relaxing Summer!!!

Rabbi Shlomo Segal