Thinking about the upcoming observance of Tisha b’Av, I was struck by a bit of irony. (At least, I think it’s irony, though I’ve been a little paranoid ever since I heard a song mocking Alanis Morissette’s use of the word “ironic.” I comfort myself that I’m unlikely to make it so big that people

We recently had the privilege of speaking with Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb about the deeper meaning of Tisha B’Av. Rabbi Weinreb, a clinical psychotherapist and internationally-renowned Torah scholar, hosts the OU’s annual Tisha B’Av webcast. He is also the translator of the kinot in The Lookstein Edition of the Mesorat HaRav Kinot (co-published with the OU).

1. What is Tisha b’Av? Tisha b’Av – the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av – is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a number of tragedies that occurred on that date, most notably the destruction of both Temples, some five centuries apart. 2. Why did so many tragedies occur

For as long as I can remember, “winning,” has been a goal of mine. Board games. Athletics. Test scores. My enjoyment of these topics usually depended on if I was winning or not. In professional life too, I find myself looking at things through the lens of winning. Did we reach our campaign goals? Did

A Holocaust survivor chooses to let go, with regards to his best friend’s act of betrayal during the War. Watch this inspiring story from Rabbi Yoel Gold’s “Inspire Clips”.

Tisha B’Av is not everyone’s favorite day, but it is one of mine- not because it is enjoyable, but because of what it represents. I like Tisha B’Av because of what it says to me about Jews- that we are a people that remembers and knows its past leads to a future. There are so

Here are some quick tips to make your fast a bit more bearable: 1. The day before the fast begins, take frequent drinks of water. 2. Eat a balanced meal before the fast. Proteins and fats are absorbed more slowly than sugars and provide the necessary energy, but you should balance your meal with 55% complex carbohydrates,

Shavel had been the third most populous city in Lithuania–home to more than 14,000 Jews. Only 500 survived the Shoah.

The Rabbi concluded that we should no longer be fasting as the redemption is upon us. I think otherwise.

The customs we observe during the 3 weeks are strikingly similar to those of a mourner…but in reverse.