The Three Weeks 143 articles

Insights into the Kinot of Tisha B’Av with Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter – 5760 (2000). Rabbi Schacter introduces Tisha B’Av kinot with the Gemara’s discussion in Masechet Taanit of the 5 tragedies...

Tisha B’av and Devarim (the parsha) make appropriate bedfellows. Chazal find in Moshe’s eicha complaint echoes of Yirmiyahu and future lamentations. Thus the prevalent minhag of chanting that verse in the...

In keeping with the atmosphere of aveilus (mourning) for the Beis Hamikdash, Jews the world over meticulously observe the various restrictions that are in effect at this time. In fact, as...

In the absence of the Beit HaMikdash, prayer replaces the sacrifices. Shabbos serves the same purpose, to bring us closer to God. For part 1 click here. Rabbi Moishe Lichtenstein’s new...

Sacrifices were brought to form a relationship with God, not just to seek atonement for a sin; When we become closer to God we won’t sin in the first place. Rabbi...

NATIONAL MOURNING IN THE JEWISH TRADITION The news of a loved one’s death utterly transforms us and our perception of the world. A young man, returning to his studies after being...

Thoughts on Tisha B’Av – Rabbi Moshe Zywica – Recorded as part of the OU LIVE Shiurim Webcasts for 9 Days Learn-a-thon on Monday, July 31, 2006. The Jewish approach to...

The similarities & differences between mourning over a lost relative and mourning over the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash. Given on July 26, 2006.

The 17th day in the Jewish month of Tammuz, Jews the world over fast and lament to commemorate the many calamities that have befallen our people on this ominous day. The...

There are 2 different  and distinct concepts: zecher l’mikdash (remembering the Bet HaMikdash) and zecher l’churban (remembering the destruction). Zecher L’Mikdash isn’t about mourning; it’s about focusing on the glory that was...