This is more a personal reflection from the 17th of Tammuz (a few years ago) than an analysis of the day and its themes. Still, I think it has value to offer.
When we visited Israel in July of 2023, I had my most memorable fast of Tammuz.
My instinct was to hide from the scorching sun not dance in it, but my husband wanted to walk around the Old City.
After arguing for a while, I decided that I would bring the kids to First Station because there was something to do and we could take public transportation. We ended up in a store with thinking puzzles and bought a bunch of them than sat and tried to do them.
I ended up fasting more meaningfully and gaining a kind of resilience despite the discomfort of not even drinking water. This year, my 7 year old wanted to go on a long bike ride , and thinking of our Jerusalem outing, I reminded my husband about these hidden strengths that we have. He then took her on this very long bike ride instead of putting it off for another day. Though it’s not inherently Jewish to overcome discomfort and do memorable things, somehow it does put us in touch with what matters and what values we want to dig into.
I also hope the same for the Tribes that are still here lingering and striving to regain their native land on their terms though fully aware of modern adaptations.
This article and some of the people with Native American lineage that I follow on Instagram bring back some hope of that.
To fast during the prescribed time facilitates a dull headache to remind one of what precipitated the Fast in the first place: i.e., the misplaced priorities of Torah Laws of morality and rejuvenation of our souls by their observance including Shabbat.
You have woven complimentary ideas with tragedy to form beautiful hope.
Regarding——“The mourning practices of the Three Weeks are our way of acknowledging the destruction of our past way of life: one that centered on the Temple and its service, in the Land of Israel over which we were sovereign. We do not acknowledge this loss in order to “move beyond it,” but to preserve it until the time comes when it can be reintroduced. Our mourning isn’t a nostalgic longing for the past, but a disciplined recollection that binds us to the future.”
When China hosted the Olympics, I viewed some of their disciplined pageantry on tv which is beautiful to see.
The sacrifices you mentioned do not amount to much, and because these are small things to deprive one of, i am reminded of the words of one of the prophets who wrote, “(G*D’s) requirements are easy, and the burden we carry for Him is light.”
Beautiful
When we visited Israel in July of 2023, I had my most memorable fast of Tammuz.
My instinct was to hide from the scorching sun not dance in it, but my husband wanted to walk around the Old City.
After arguing for a while, I decided that I would bring the kids to First Station because there was something to do and we could take public transportation. We ended up in a store with thinking puzzles and bought a bunch of them than sat and tried to do them.
I ended up fasting more meaningfully and gaining a kind of resilience despite the discomfort of not even drinking water. This year, my 7 year old wanted to go on a long bike ride , and thinking of our Jerusalem outing, I reminded my husband about these hidden strengths that we have. He then took her on this very long bike ride instead of putting it off for another day. Though it’s not inherently Jewish to overcome discomfort and do memorable things, somehow it does put us in touch with what matters and what values we want to dig into.
I also hope the same for the Tribes that are still here lingering and striving to regain their native land on their terms though fully aware of modern adaptations.
This article and some of the people with Native American lineage that I follow on Instagram bring back some hope of that.
https://images.app.goo.gl/78qZqH5MxbLHpjVFA
To fast during the prescribed time facilitates a dull headache to remind one of what precipitated the Fast in the first place: i.e., the misplaced priorities of Torah Laws of morality and rejuvenation of our souls by their observance including Shabbat.
Thank you for including “recall the conclusion of Mark Twain's famous essay, Concerning the Jews:”
Because it was written about Jewish people who had lived prior to Mark Twain,
his accurate and extraordinarily eloquent compliment was for their merit. But it provokes admiration especially knowing that G*D is our/their source.
You have woven complimentary ideas with tragedy to form beautiful hope.
Regarding——“The mourning practices of the Three Weeks are our way of acknowledging the destruction of our past way of life: one that centered on the Temple and its service, in the Land of Israel over which we were sovereign. We do not acknowledge this loss in order to “move beyond it,” but to preserve it until the time comes when it can be reintroduced. Our mourning isn’t a nostalgic longing for the past, but a disciplined recollection that binds us to the future.”
When China hosted the Olympics, I viewed some of their disciplined pageantry on tv which is beautiful to see.
I found this extremely moving. Thank you.
The sacrifices you mentioned do not amount to much, and because these are small things to deprive one of, i am reminded of the words of one of the prophets who wrote, “(G*D’s) requirements are easy, and the burden we carry for Him is light.”