Both the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av mark tragedies that befell the Jewish people during two significant periods of our existence. In the early phase of nationhood, during our sojourn in the Midbar, we have the two great sins of the Golden Calf and the Spies. And during our tenure in Eretz Yisrael (both times), these dates mark the destruction of Jerusalem and the Beit HaMikdash and the exile of the people. The two aspects of each date are hardly unrelated. The Sin of the Golden Calf represents turning away from G-d. The Sin of the Spies represents a rejection of Eretz Yisrael.

These same two national behaviors echo throughout Jewish history and combine to “explain” many of our troubles and tragedies. It was a combination of lack of faithfulness to G-d and disdain for the Land and the mitzvot that preserve it that led to the CHURBAN and GALUT. It will only be a return to G-d, a faithfulness to His Torah and Mitzvot and a love and proper treatment of Eretz Yisrael that can bring about the complete GEULA, BIMHEIRA B'YAMEINU AMEN.

[The Pinchas Homepage]
[The TORAH tidbits Homepage] [How to use TORAH tidbits]
[About The OU/NCSY Israel Center] [About TORAH tidbits]