R. Menachem Azariah of Fano, Italy, was a famed Talmudic scholar and kabbalist. A prolific author, he composed numerous works in both kabbalah and Jewish law, the most famous of which is Asarah Maamaros, a collection of kabbalistic treatises. Additionally, he used his wealth to obtain and publish the works of other great sages (such as R. Yosef Caro’s Kessef Mishneh).
R. Menachem Azariah was a devoted follower of the great kabbalist R. Moshe Cordovero, whom he also lent financial support. Later, he was introduced to the kabbalistic doctrines of R. Yitzchak Luria (the Arizal), which he embraced wholeheartedly as well.
The Shabbat before the Ninth of Av is called Shabbat Chazon ("Shabbat of Vision") after the opening words of the day's reading from the prophets ("haftara"), which is the third of the series of readings known as "The Three of Rebuke." On this Shabbat, say the Chassidic masters, we are granted a vision of the Third Temple; we may not see it with our physical eyes, but our souls see it, and are empowered to break free of our present state of galut (exile and spiritual displacement) and bring about the Redemption and the rebuilding of the Temple.
Links:
The Holy Temple: an Anthology
Shabbat of Vision
About the "Three of Rebuke"
http://www.thethreeweeks.com
During the summer months, from the Shabbat after Passover until the Shabbat before Rosh Hashahah, we study a weekly chapter of the Talmud's Ethics of the Fathers ("Avot") each Shabbat afternoon; this week we study Chapter Two.
During the “Nine Days" from Av 1st to the Ninth of Av, we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple. We abstain from meat and wine, music, haircutting, bathing for pleasure, and other joyous (and dangerous) activities. (The particular mourning customs vary from community to community, so consult a competent halachic authority for details.)
Consumption of meat and wine is permitted on Shabbat, or at a seudat mitzvah (obligatory festive meal celebrating the fulfillment of certain mitzvot) such as a brit (circumcision), or a siyum celebrating the completion of a course of Torah study (i.e., a complete Talmudic tractate). The Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory initiated the custom of conducting or participating in a siyum on each of the Nine Days (even if one does not avail oneself of the dispensation to eat meat).
Citing the verse "Zion shall be redeemed with mishpat [Torah] and its returnees with tzedakah," (Isaiah 1:27) the Rebbe urged that we increase in Torah study (particularly the study of the laws of the Holy Temple) and charity during this period.
Links:
Nine Days laws and customs
Daily live siyum broadcasts
Learn about the Holy Temple in Jerusalem
You murmured in your tents, saying, '"Because G‑d hates us, He took us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to exterminate us." (Deuteronomy 1:27)
Really, He loves you, but you despised Him. As the common saying goes, “Whatever is in your heart towards your friend, you imagine he feels towards you.” (Rashi)
Often we justify our own feelings by projecting them on others, twisting the entire relationship backward and upside-down.
We can’t get our way, so we say, “I’m doing everything to accommodate them, and they’re being so stubborn.”
And they say, “But it’s just the opposite! You won't give an inch!”
We don’t want to be around people, so we feel, “I’m trying to be nice to them, but they don’t want me around.”
And they say, “We would love to have you around, but you don’t seem to want to be here with us.”
In just the same way, we project our own feelings on the One who made us, attempting to twist truth inside-out.
We become absorbed with our own little world and can’t find room for G‑d within it, so we feel, “All I am to G-d is just an ugly little cockroach messing up His universe.”
How does G‑d feel?
There, with G‑d, is the true reality.
That He gives you life and all things He knows are good for you and awaits the time you will recognize how good it all is.
That He showers you with love, and awaits the time that you will return that love to Him.
That He eagerly awaits every word of your prayers, treasures every mitzvah you might do, kisses every word of Torah that comes from your lips—but you have no idea how precious you are to Him.
You may push back. You may run away. But just one small turn, and He’s there waiting.
Run from your delusions. Embrace reality. Reality is love.