Tisha B’Av, the 9^th day of Av is coming upon us.  Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem.  Tisha B’Av is a day of sadness and heartache. It is the day we mourn the toppling of The Jewish Center; it is the day we mourn the disbursement of the Jews in the Diaspora, and the beginning of what has become a very long exile from our land.  It is the day we mourn the disunity, the discord, the despair of a people no longer a united nation; it is the day we mourn the lack of loving kindness, affinity, and support amongst Jews.

The Talmud, in tractate Gittin (56) pins the fall of Jerusalem on the lack of kindness and brotherly love among the Jews of the time.  And this is the story it relates:

A wealthy Jewish man threw a lavish affair, and had his manservant invite all his friends near and far.  Among the invitees who attended the affair was Bar Kamtza.  Bar Kamtza, delighted at the invite, thinking the host, a long time adversary, was attempting to make amends.  Soon, however, it was apparent that a terrible mistake has occurred. It was Kamtza, not Bar Kamtza who was to be invited.

The host, livid at the sight of his sworn enemy, instructed his servants to show Bar Kamtza the door.  To save face, Bar Kamtza pleaded with the host to let him stay, and offered monetary incentives.  But to no avail. 

Bar Kamtza, hurt, dismayed, and disappointed that none of the other guests came to his assistance, resolved to avenge his honor. From the banquet hall went Bar Kamtza to the Roman authorities and slandered his fellow Jews, accusing them of disloyalty to the ruling body.  The Romans raged and proceeded to attack and destroy the Holy Temple.

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Is it the account of actual events or is the story but a lesson in morality?  Regardless, we need to heed to the wise instruction of our sages, and try our best to fill this world with positive words and positive action!  How else can we do away with the darkness of  hate and terror – but with its antithesis?  Good vs. Evil.  Let goodness prevail!

Please send in your stories of inspiring actions of the young and the old.
Goodness is alive and well, and is up to the task. Let's bring forward the good so it can eliminate evil!

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