Mourning.. and rebuilding with faith.

The Jewish people have a number of dates during the year that coincide with remembering events of the relatively distant past. These are often holidays listed in the Torah. But they are also the result of more recent destruction - say, the first and second temples, over 2000 years ago.

Who was it who said that a nation that mourns its past has a strong future? Its been credited to recent movie stars, but I have a hard time believing that the source isnt a more philosophical one. Anyhow - it must be true - and as we enter that time, we should keep this in mind as we emerge revived and strengthened.

Tonight, on the eve of the beginning of the month of Av, the month which saw the destruction of two Jewish temples in Jerusalem, keep this in mind: Our people are determined to remember, to mourn, and to pray that we reach a time that turns this despair into happiness with the rebuilding of our city. That has begun, and so we look forward.

Stay tuned.