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aribVery rare for me, I know, but I just feel like I need to get this off my chest. It won't necessarily be too well written, but I'll clarifly stuff if people have questions.
Jews who don't celebrate Tisha b'Av (today's fast, comemorating the destruction of the Temples in jerusalem, as well as other tragedies) because they see no point in mourning the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash (the Temple, located in Jerusalem, where the Western Wall and Dome of the Rock are now) really piss me off.
Not annoy, anger.
The Temple was once central to religious observance as Jews, and, while we definitely observe differently now, is still central to our identity as Jews.
"The Temple Mount isn't just the Temple Mount, the Beit HaMikdash isn't just the Beit HaMikdash, it's an idea, something that lives inside of us." (From the movie Time of Favor)
Maybe it's just because I lived near the Western Wall, and saw (personally) how the Waqf is destroying what little archaeological evidence remains makes me realize that downplaying the significance of the location is only helping deligitimize our connection to it.
One of the pioneers of the Reform movement in Germany in the early 20th century (I appologize, I know I'm going to muff some of the details) was once asked why he didn't consider himself a Zionist, when many other Jews, of various stripes, were all crying out in support of a Jewish state. His response? "Berlin is my Jerusalem." I believe history provided an adequate rebuttal to his statement.
Jerusalem and the Temple are part of who we are. One can endlessly debate the way things are progressing there, and how they feel things should be done, but to completely disregard it entirely? That's just wrong.
Questions comments and debate will all be welcomed, appologies for any hurt feelings are offered if needed.
Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go rehydrate.
Jews who don't celebrate Tisha b'Av (today's fast, comemorating the destruction of the Temples in jerusalem, as well as other tragedies) because they see no point in mourning the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash (the Temple, located in Jerusalem, where the Western Wall and Dome of the Rock are now) really piss me off.
Not annoy, anger.
The Temple was once central to religious observance as Jews, and, while we definitely observe differently now, is still central to our identity as Jews.
"The Temple Mount isn't just the Temple Mount, the Beit HaMikdash isn't just the Beit HaMikdash, it's an idea, something that lives inside of us." (From the movie Time of Favor)
Maybe it's just because I lived near the Western Wall, and saw (personally) how the Waqf is destroying what little archaeological evidence remains makes me realize that downplaying the significance of the location is only helping deligitimize our connection to it.
One of the pioneers of the Reform movement in Germany in the early 20th century (I appologize, I know I'm going to muff some of the details) was once asked why he didn't consider himself a Zionist, when many other Jews, of various stripes, were all crying out in support of a Jewish state. His response? "Berlin is my Jerusalem." I believe history provided an adequate rebuttal to his statement.
Jerusalem and the Temple are part of who we are. One can endlessly debate the way things are progressing there, and how they feel things should be done, but to completely disregard it entirely? That's just wrong.
Questions comments and debate will all be welcomed, appologies for any hurt feelings are offered if needed.
Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go rehydrate.
(no subject)
Date: 2002-07-19 06:22 am (UTC)The reason I consciously decided not to fast on Tisha B'Av, about three years ago, was that all of the bad things that happened to the Jewish people are said to have occurred on that day. I find that statistically improbable and superstitious. When I go to synagogue I see people walking around in fear that it will happen again. And I see this attitude reflected more and more during the rest of the year... "The world is out to get the Jews. Even the people who are with us aren't with us. Trust No One."
I understand your feelings, and I am sorry to disappoint a friend by observing our mutual religion in a way that offends him. But I hope you will accept my reasons.
(no subject)
Date: 2002-07-19 10:56 am (UTC)Nobody's said that all bad things that happen to Jews happen on the ninth of Av, but a lot of things did.
When I go to synagogue I see people walking around in fear that it will happen again. And I see this attitude reflected more and more during the rest of the year... "The world is out to get the Jews. Even the people who are with us aren't with us. Trust No One."
*shrug* World opinion hasn't always been very favorable towards Jews. Anti-semitic incidents in Europe are on the rise along with the suicide bombings in Israel. I'm not advocating mindless paranoia or anything, that would be counterproductive, just a guardedly cautious eye on world events.
I understand your feelings, and I am sorry to disappoint a friend by observing our mutual religion in a way that offends him. But I hope you will accept my reasons.
I'm not disappointed per se, or really offended, either. It's just something that we disagree about that I feel like voicing my opinion over, rather than letting things lie, as I usually do.