Parashat Shlach A weekly feature of Torah Tidbits to help clarify practical and conceptual aspects of the Jewish Calendar, thereby better fulfilling the mitzva of HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem... The 20th of Sivan is a day of multiple tragedies. In 4931 (1171ce) there was a terrible blood libel in France that led to the execution by sword and fire of dozens of Torah scholars who were first given the option of forsaking their Judaism. This episode was one of many during the Crusades. Rabbeinu Tam, Tosafist and great Rav in France, declared the 20th of Sivan as a day of fasting greater than Tzom Gedalya, a day like Yom Kippur. Slichot and Kinot were composed for the 20th of Sivan. Almost 500 years later, in 5408-5409 (1648-49 c.e. - dark years that became known as TACH V'TAT), the 20th of Sivan became associated with the pogroms of Chielnicki, that claimed tens of thousands of Jewish lives and resulted in the destruction of hundreds of beautiful Jewish communities. The Council of the Four Lands reconfirmed Sivan 20 as a fast day. 332 years later, On June 23rd, 1982, the Battle of Sultan Yaqub claimed 21 of our soldiers in the costliest battle of Operation Sh'lom HaGalil. 3 soldiers are still missing from that battle. 20 Sivan might not be one of our required fasts, but it is a day that demands our attention.
[The Shlach Homepage]
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