We discussed how, in the parsha, Moshe repeats to us our history up until that point in time. Moshe rebukes us for not following the Torah, and not having faith in Hashem, all of which resulted in our not reaching the promised land. After leaving Mt. Sinai, the land of Israel was only 11 days away, but we were still not there after 40 years.
We discussed the different ways that we were rebuked, and the different ways that we can rebuke in general. We discussed how we can be part of an organization like the army, in which rebuke comes swiftly and strongly. In this case, we have signed up for this type of rebuke and it should be expected.
On the other hand, Ellie pointed out how a therapist may take a softer approach, rebuking by asking the patient if he has any concerns about anything. We discussed the different ways of rebuke used by Moshe in the parsha. He did not go into all the details when bringing up the sin of the Golden Calf, but is much harsher in rebuking us for the sin of the spies.
We discussed how this really is a sad time of year. We discussed how we put off Tisha B’Av for 1 day, as it can not fall on Shabbos. However, we still spent Shabbos anticipating the next day. We discussed what would be necessary to get ready for the day, including an early minchah on Shabbos and a return home for a last meal, before returning to shul. We discussed the importance of hydrating on Shabbos, in preparation for the fast, and the restrictions on Shabbos pertaining to what we can do in private.
We discussed how the purpose of Tisha B’Av, and the time leading up to this day, is not necessarily to feel sad, but to become motivated and formulate a plan which will help alleviate sadness. There is sadness we have as a people, and sadness we may have in our personal lives.
The sadness we have as a people, for the loss of the temple, continues to this day. We discussed how in order to bring about mashiach and the restoration and rebuilding of the temple, we must all do our part as individuals. As individuals we can remember why the temple was destroyed to begin with, and do our part to promote our progress towards the messianic era with how we treat others, and maintain a relationship with Hashem.
As individuals we may all face sadness in our lives for various reasons. We discussed some of the action we can take to improve our lives. These include accepting things we can not change. If we worry too much about what we can’t change, it affects our ability to change what we can. In particular, self-acceptance seems to be very important. We discussed doing mitzvah and giving to others, and to continue to make the contributions that were made by love ones, who we have lost.
We discussed how this really is a sad time of year. We discussed how we put off Tisha B’Av for 1 day, as it can not fall on Shabbos. However, we still spent Shabbos anticipating the next day. We discussed what would be necessary to get ready for the day, including an early minchah on Shabbos and a return home for a last meal, before returning to shul. We discussed the importance of hydrating on Shabbos, in preparation for the fast, and the restrictions on Shabbos pertaining to what we can do in private.
We discussed how the purpose of Tisha B’Av, and the time leading up to this day, is not necessarily to feel sad, but to become motivated and formulate a plan which will help alleviate sadness. There is sadness we have as a people, and sadness we may have in our personal lives.
The sadness we have as a people, for the loss of the temple, continues to this day. We discussed how in order to bring about mashiach and the restoration and rebuilding of the temple, we must all do our part as individuals. As individuals we can remember why the temple was destroyed to begin with, and do our part to promote our progress towards the messianic era with how we treat others, and maintain a relationship with Hashem.
As individuals we may all face sadness in our lives for various reasons. We discussed some of the action we can take to improve our lives. These include accepting things we can not change. If we worry too much about what we can’t change, it affects our ability to change what we can. In particular, self-acceptance seems to be very important. We discussed doing mitzvah and giving to others, and to continue to make the contributions that were made by love ones, who we have lost.
Trying to make at least a little progress with things every day, has helped me. Norm has shared about taking things one day at a time. Ellie has told us about different therapies that are used. It may be necessary to get professional help for depression, from therapist(s) and/or doctors and/or other professionals.
We discussed how lively Jerusalem seems today. There are hotels, condos, apartments, night life, stores, people, and many synagogues and religious institutions. Although Jerusalem does not seem empty physically, it may still be empty in other ways such as spiritually. What we don’t want to do is take our "foot off the gas pedal”. We need to keep moving, to continue growing as a people, keeping in mind that we still do not have our temple.
Finally, on a different topic, David brought up the idea that maybe the law to separate fish and meat, has to do with the danger of fish bones. And David told a story from his father about asking a date about love, family, and philosophy.
This is a summary of what we discussed. No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.
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