Three Weeks and Tisha B'Av

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."

The Romans lay siege to Jerusalem; the leading Sage is smuggled out to confront Vespasian, the Roman General. Learn the spiritual significance of these events according to the mystical teachings of the Maharal of Prague.

What are the “Three Weeks”? How do Jews traditionally mark the Destruction of the Temple? Are joy and mourning contradictory? Apply the lessons of the Jewish calendar to your own, day-to-day perspectives.

Many tragedies had befallen our people on the 17th of Tammuz and marks the beginning of the three week mourning period for the destruction of the Holy Temple and the subsequent exile.

The ninth of Av is marked as the day of greatest tragedy and mourning on the Jewish calendar, yet the prophet Jeremiah refers to it as a festive day; why?

Laws of the 9 Days and the Fast of Tisha B'Av.

On Tisha B’Av we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple; discover the positive within this mournful day.

Many are intrigued by the mystery of the location of the Holy Ark. Don’t just rely on Hollywood; discover what the Torah has to say about this.

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

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.

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)

Although G-d bequeathed Abraham and his descendants the land of Israel whose borders include the east side of the Jordan, this territory was never formally part of Israel and will only become so with the final redemption. This class will explore the profound current implications of this future event—from the evolving nature of marriage to the solution to Israel's struggle for security.

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.

Learn the laws and customs for the fast of Tisha B’Av.

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)

The three sections in the Holy Temple represent three levels of reality. Explore components of the Beit Hamikdash and their mirroring mystical attributes.

The Sages of the Talmud differ as to the positioning of the Menorah in the Holy Temple, whether east to west (along the width of the temple) or north to south (along the temple’s length). This class reveals the spiritual underpinnings of this discussion and the relevance to our daily lives. (Based on Reshimas HaMenorah)

On Yom Kippur and the 15th of Av the maidens of Jerusalem would go out to its vineyards where young men had gathered, like them, to find their partner in marriage. There the maidens would dance wearing borrowed white gowns. This class addresses the spiritual dimensions of this sublime encounter.

What would you do if you are celebrating with friends, and the man who opposes you in your greatest life battles turns up at the party? This was the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, but it is also a real story that happened here in the United States in 1975. Enjoy this week‘s powerful story, which drives home the point how significant it is for each one of us to love every single Jew, no matter how may he or she appears to be…