Videos: The Three Weeks & Tisha B'Av

Watch a visual presentation on the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), the center of our nation and the place where we were closest to G-d. This webcast provides a general overview of the Temple’s magnificent structure and the awesome experience one encountered.

A live broadcast of a special Tisha B’Av program at The Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside in honor of the Surfside building collapse victims and survivors.

Explore the deeper mystical dimension of the 9th of Av, the meaning of our current state of exile, and the hope for the ultimate transformation in the future Redemption.

This class begins with a history of the three-week period of mourning for the Destruction of the Holy Temple and continues with an analysis of a prophecy of Jeremiah that hints to the future transformation of "bitterness into sweetness."

If we understand the underlying cause to the loss of the Holy Temple and the Divine presence it openly expressed, we can focus on reversing our exilic state of divine concealment.

Learn the laws and customs for the mourning period of the “Three Weeks,” which begin with the fast of 17 Tammuz, and culminates with the fast of Tisha B’Av.

The teachings of chassidus look beyond the surface of the terrible destruction of the Holy Temple and the subsequent exile, which we mourn during the 3 weeks, and finds the hidden good embedded inside—offering insight into why they’ll ultimately be transformed into joyous holidays in the times of Moshiach.

On Tisha B’av, the 9th of Av, we mourn the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple. Our sages also tell us that when Moshiach comes, Tisha B’av will become a festival when we will celebrate the building of the third and final Temple.

Why building a Temple on the Temple Mount is by necessity the first stage in making the world a G-dly place. (A Tisha B'Av study, based on the Rebbe's discourse Gadol Yihyeh K'vod Habayis Hazeh, 5722.)

Why it is illogical to say that the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and the subsequent exile, came about as a punishment for the Jewish people.

The saddest period in the Jewish calendar, when we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple – amongst a litany of other national tragedies – is commonly referred to as 'The Three Weeks'. Yet, our Sages referred to this period as '21 Days'? The answer to this innocuous question reveals an astounding new depth to both the mourning period and its inevitable resolution. (Based on Sefer Hasichos 5750)

A look at the three Haftorah portions read during the "Three Weeks" commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temple.

The mystical secrets hinted at by the numbers in the dates associated with the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem—the 17th day of Tammuz, the 9th day of Av, and the three weeks or twenty-one days between them.

This class continues to describe the reign of the Herodian kings and the events leading to the fall of the Holy Temple to the Roman Emperor, Titus.

Says the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations, “For these things I weep.” Where were the rest of the Jewish people when Jeremiah was mourning the destruction of the Holy Temple?

A precise textual analysis of ch. 4, halacha 1 of Rambam's "Laws of the Chosen House" (Hilchos Beis HaBechira) considers the historical role of the Ark in the Temple as well as its location today. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 21)

The Third Temple to be built by Moshiach corresponds to the third phase in a relationship in which opposites are harmonized and ultimate peace is achieved.

The Talmud’s narrative of the unfortunate episodes that led to the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and our subsequent exile.

During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, we mourn the loss of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem. The Torah tells us, however, that when we study the laws of the Temple’s construction, we are already rebuilding it.

The exile started with a single event, and the children have the power to end it.

Before the siege of Jerusalem, G-d commanded the prophet Ezekiel to place an iron pot around a brick symbolizing the city's siege. (Ezekiel 4:3) Iron can be a metaphor for the grave character defect of rigidity or for the deep inner strength of the Jewish people that leads to Redemption.

Study a variety of vibrant and topical subjects with scholarly teachers. These Torah classes are from a day of learning in Montreal, Canada dedicated to help bring peace to Israel on 8/3/2008.

The Midrash relates that at the beginning of the Babylonian exile, seventy years before the Jews’ return to Jerusalem, G-d instructed Ezekiel to teach them the dimensions of the Holy Temple, because when they engage in its study, G-d considers it as though they built it.

The Book of Lamentations is a sad song which contains the most heartrending prophecies of Jeremiah about the destruction of the Holy Temple and the ensuing exile. Join us for an informative and uplifting text-based study of this Biblical book, which is traditionally read on Tisha B’av.

Looking at various perspectives on the destruction of the 2nd Temple and two central approaches to tragedy. Is it proper to react with grief and mourning? Or can positivity be glimpsed through the darkness?

In the book of Eicha – authored by Jeremiah the prophet – the letter Lamed in the verse “Let it not befall you...” is written small. This symbolizes Jeremiah's role, and by extension every Jew, to be a light unto the nations.

In analyzing Maimonides' description of the future transformation of the current fast days into days of celebration in the Messianic era, this class sheds new light on the nature of things to come. (Likutei Sichos volume 15, p. 412)

Learn the unique attributes of the three holy Temples, and why the future temple will be eternal.

Studying about the construction and details of the 2nd Holy Temple informs us in the building of the final third Temple.

Every year during the “three week” we mourn the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. But what are we truly missing without the Temple?

Learn about the essential role of the Holy Ark in the Beit HaMikdash and the golden faced Keruvim stationed above the ark. We also examine the competing views of Hillel and Shammai: abnegation vs. cultivation.

With destruction also comes the opportunity for renewal and growth. During this time, we can focus on the potential within our relationship with G-d, with others, and with our world.

A Jew’s ability to perceive joy through tears is his hallmark and motivates him to transform Tisha B’Av.

A preparation for prayer; a consciousness of a great presence.

What is the correct response to sad days in the Jewish calendar? Are we meant to feel sad, down and perhaps even depressed? Rabbi Gutnick gives us another perspective of how the Torah wants us to observe the saddest days in our history.

Exploring the weekly reading from the Prophets for the Shabbat prior to Tisha b’Av.

The book of Lamentations contains 154 verses and the mnemonic is the word Kadim. Explore the coded message in the mnemonic and its connection to the general themes of Tisha b’Av.