🗓️ Today in Jewish History– 9th Av
🗓️ The Five Calamities of Tishah B’Av
Tishah B’Av is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. Chazal teach that five major tragedies occurred on this day:
- The decree that the generation of the wilderness would not enter Eretz Yisrael following the sin of the spies.
- The destruction of the First Beis HaMikdash by the Babylonians.
- The destruction of the Second Beis HaMikdash by the Romans.
- The fall of Beitar, the last stronghold of the Bar Kochba revolt.
- The plowing over of the site of Jerusalem after the destruction.
Generations of additional tragedies became associated with this day, making it the national day of mourning for Klal Yisrael.
🗓️ The Night Before – Yaakov Avinu and the Sar of Esav
The Zohar associates this period with the struggle of Yaakov Avinu against the angel of Esav at the crossing of the Yabbok.
During that struggle Yaakov was struck in the gid hanasheh, and therefore:
“על כן לא יאכלו בני ישראל את גיד הנשה“
Many mekubalim saw a deeper allusion in this episode. The injury inflicted upon Yaakov symbolizes the suffering of the Jewish people throughout exile, while Yaakov’s ultimate victory symbolizes the certainty of future redemption.
🗓️ The Ma’apilim
According to the traditional reckoning, this day is associated with the tragic episode of the Ma’apilim.
After the decree resulting from the sin of the spies, a group of Israelites attempted to ascend the mountain and enter the Land despite Moshe Rabbeinu’s warning not to do so. Refusing to heed his words, they advanced on their own initiative and were struck by Amalek and the Canaanites.
The Torah describes their defeat as a consequence of acting without the Divine command, even though their intentions may have been motivated by repentance.
🗓️ Yirmiyahu HaNavi
A tradition records that Yirmiyahu HaNavi, the prophet of the Churban, was born on this day.
It is therefore especially poignant that the prophet who foresaw and lamented the destruction of Jerusalem would have his life associated with the very day on which those calamities are mourned.
The words of Eichah, recited on Tishah B’Av night, continue to give voice to the grief of Israel across the generations.
🗓️ 1290 – The Expulsion of the Jews from England
In the year 1290, King Edward I’s decree expelling the Jews from England took effect. Jewish communities that had existed in England for centuries were uprooted, their property confiscated, and the Jews forced to leave the country.
The expulsion remained in force for centuries and became one of the major tragedies remembered in connection with this season of mourning.
🗓️ 1648 – The Massacres of Tach V’Tat
During the Chmielnicki massacres, Jewish communities throughout Poland and Ukraine suffered terrible destruction.
The tragedies remembered during these days became part of the collective memory of Jewish suffering in exile and are often recalled together with the mourning of Tishah B’Av.
🗓️ 1914 – The Outbreak of World War I
During this season occurred the outbreak of World War I, a conflict that reshaped Europe and profoundly affected Jewish communities across the continent.
The war marked the beginning of a period of upheaval whose consequences would influence Jewish history for generations.
🕯️ Today’s Yartzite – 9th Av
🕯️ 1807 – The Passing of Rabbi Meir Schiff
In the year תקס”ז (1807) passed away the gaon Rabbi Meir ben Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Schiff זצ”ל, Av Beis Din of Frankfurt am Main and author of דרך אניה.
He was known for his scholarship and his contributions to Torah literature among the rabbinic leaders of Germany.
🕯️ 1815 – The Passing of the Chozeh of Lublin
In the year תקע”ה (1815) passed away the holy Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Horowitz, the famed Chozeh of Lublin, one of the greatest masters of early Chassidus.
The Chozeh transformed Lublin into one of the most important centers of Chassidic life in Eastern Europe. Thousands traveled to him for guidance, blessing, and inspiration.
His principal works include:
- זכרון זאת
- זאת זכרון
- דברי אמת
He emphasized emunah, attachment to Hashem, and the spiritual elevation of every Jew. Many of the leading Chassidic dynasties of Poland trace part of their heritage to his influence.
His passing on Tishah B’Av has long been seen as one of the most significant yahrzeits in the Chassidic calendar.