Historical Issues Hold Answers for Jewish Unbelief in Yeshua - SAM NADLER CHARISMA NEWS

With this system in place, the Jewish people can never truly understand God's holiness or His love. (YouTube )

Historical Issues Hold Answers for Jewish Unbelief in Yeshua

11/10/2015 SAM NADLER  charisma news

Throughout Israel's history, her religious leaders developed a system of commentaries on the Scriptures that has come to be known as the Oral Law, or Talmud. Originally intended to keep the Jewish people from breaking God's commandments, ironically and tragically, the Oral Law has prevented us from seeing God's love and Messiah as found in the Scriptures. 

While ministering in the Ukraine, a familiar question was asked of me, only this time in Russian, "If Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, and the prophecies in the Jewish Scriptures are as clear as you say they are, then why don't our rabbis who study the Scriptures see this?" That is a good question.

Actually, the prophecies predicted a partial blindness upon Israel in regard to recognizing our own Messiah (Is. 53:1-7). But for a more complete answer, an overview of Jewish history will help. As we consider these key points in Jewish history and their repercussions for the Jewish people today, may it lead us to extend compassion and mercy to those who still do not see (Rom. 11:31).

There are three periods of Jewish history we need to consider: 

1. The Development of Oral Law (516 B.C.-A.D. 70) 

2. The Destruction of the Second Temple (A.D. 70-135) 

3. The Persecution of the Jewish people (A.D. 135 to the present).  

The Development of Oral Law: 516 B.C.-A.D. 70 

When our people returned from Babylonian captivity, our leadership was devoted to prevent such a catastrophe from ever taking place again. The rabbis reasoned that "it was the holiness of the Law and our disobedience to it that resulted in the exile." Thus the rabbis developed a system of buffers or "fences": "The Oral Law," providing additional rules for the people to keep which would "preserve the original commandments from trespass" (Talmud Aboth 1:1). 

A Fence Around the Law: The Traditions of the Elders 

In the Schulchan Aruch, "the code" of rabbinical Judaism for all ritual and legal questions, some of the fences regarding the issue of work on the Sabbath are seen:

• "He who spills any liquid in a place where the soil is apt to produce something is guilty of violating 'the law against sowing'" (80:28).
• "Mud on one's garment may be scraped off with nail or with a knife if it be still moist, but if it be completely dry it may not be scraped off, for it is equivalent to the act of grinding" (80:38). 

And there are many, many more like these, covering each area of personal, public, religious and vocational life. 

As mentioned, the intent of these "fences" was to keep people from breaking God's laws and coming under His wrath again. However, the result of the Oral Law was, and is today, that the people became in effect 'insulated' from the Scriptures.

Hence, they never really fear God's law, but deal primarily with the "traditions of the elders." With this system in place, the Jewish people can never truly understand God's holiness or His love, because the same Law of God that expresses His holy standards and judgment also expresses His love and promises (Deut. 7:7-8;18:1-22). And when Messiah came, He was judged not by scriptural standards, but by the Oral Law and the traditions of men. 

Sabbath Breakers 

In Matthew 12:1-2, the teachers of the Law confronted Yeshua over His disciples picking grain and eating it on the Sabbath. Though the Law of Moses clearly stated that it was legal to eat from a field or vineyard as you passed by (Deut. 23:24-25), the Oral Law made this unlawful. When Yeshua's disciples picked the heads of grain, the religious leaders thought they saw several transgressions committed: 

1. Harvesting—As the disciples picked the grain

2. Sifting—Rubbing grain in their hands to separate the chaff 

3. Winnowing—Blowing the chaff away 

4. Grinding—Crushing the wheat to eat it 

Was this the interpretation God intended for the Sabbath laws? No, this was not any different than it would be to open a "lunch bag" to eat the food inside of it, which also would be considered work by the rabbis.

This is one example of how the rabbinical community, fearing the judgment of God upon Israel for "disobedience," could be consumed with technicalities while displaying a lack of compassion toward a hungry neighbor. Messiah responded to these men,"But He said to them, "Have you not read what David and those who were with him did when he was hungry, how he entered the house of God and ate the ritual bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests? ... If you had known what this meant, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent" (Matt. 12:3-4, 7; referencing Hos. 6:6).

Even if the rabbis would not permit Messiah's disciples to eat as David and his men had been allowed to do simply because they were hungry, they certainly should have permitted the disciples to eat out of compassion. 

Lord of the Sabbath 

"For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" (Matt. 12:8). As Lord of the Sabbath, Messiah had unquestionable authority that should have been respected, but sadly was not because He was evaluated according to tradition rather than according to Scripture. He was judged by the traditions of men which for 2,000 years have kept my people from seeing Yeshua for who He really is. 

The teachers of the Law had become "blind guides of the blind" (Matt. 15:14), blinded by their traditions to the truth of Scripture, judging the very Lord of the Word by their own rules! And so it is still today. The fences remain, and without the Word of God, my people remain unable to see Him who is the very Truth for their lives.  

In my next article, I will continue our study with the second of three events in Jewish history that still hinder the Good News. Until then, Shalom.

Dr. Sam Nadler is a Jewish believer in Jesus and has been in Messianic Jewish ministry for over 40 years. Sam is the president of Word of Messiah Ministries, which is bringing the Good News to the Jew first but not to the Jew only, and planting Messianic Congregations in Jewish communities worldwide. To encourage and equip the body of Messiah in our shared calling, Sam is invited to speak in churches across the country, and has written multiple books on Jewish evangelism, discipleship and the Feasts of Israel.

For more information and resources, or to invite Sam to speak at your church, visit: wordofmessiah.org. 

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW - Life in the Spirit is your Spirit-filled teaching guide. Encounter the Holy Spirit, hear God speak to you, and enjoy timeless teachings on love, mercy and forgiveness.LEARN MORE!

Did you enjoy this blog? Click here to receive it by email.

Finding the Holy Vessels – Is Now the Time?

Finding the Holy Vessels – Is Now the Time?

By Harry Moskoff August 24, 2015  BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

In the late 1920’s, a Jewish farmer discovers a pit/cave as he is plowing his field in Israel.  He is startled, but manages to identify the golden items as the holy vessels as used in the First Temple of Solomon.  He draws a makeshift map and travels to New York with all the information on his findings. There he tracks down a certain Rabbi Herman (from the famous book: ALL FOR THE BOSS) and asks him what to do with his new secret.  

The Rabbi cross-examines the farmer in order to verify the story, then sends his son (from the Mir Talmudic Yeshivah in Poland) over to a great Jewish sage living in Radin with a confidential letter and map, asking his coveted opinion on what to do next.  The sage firstly confirms the site and states that the time has not yet arrived to reveal these Temple items, and in fact, all parties will forget the whole thing until many years later, on the day that this Israeli farmer dies.

The fascinating story continues.  While studying in Lakewood, New Jersey, Herman’s son suddenly remembers the whole episode in Poland, including the map, and passes everything on to another prestigious member of his family.  One thing led to another, and believe it or not, there are those living in Israel today that know approximately where this underground cave lies, the very same one that is part of this authentic story!

Too good to be true?  Not at all.

When the First Temple was destroyed by the biblical King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, it’s a known fact that he stole many of the Temple treasures and brought them back to Babylonia.  However, there were some that were secreted away before he could get his hands on them and buried outside of Jerusalem for the specific purpose (in order) to be found over 2000 years later, as a preparation for the coming of the Jewish Third Temple.  It seems that that time is finally arriving, and in our days too.

In fact, you and I are living in a truly unique time in history, specifically Jewish history, whether from a religious, political, or even cultural standpoint.  With the relatively new threat of a nuclear IRAN, many Jews are now terribly divided as to where their allegiance should be cast.  The pathetic nuclear Treaty with the mullahs discredits the White House and its Middle Eastern allies because it’s just a matter of time before their contract is breached by the other side (since there’s nothing in it for the Western countries to breach).  

As sanctions can no longer be “snapped back,” one of the P5+1 countries will most likely end up with some form of military strike against Iran (if not Israel doing the dirty work itself).  Like Winston Churchill so appropriately said back in September 1938 re: the Munich Settlement:

“You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor, and you will have war.”

For Americans, it has already erupted into much more than a partisan issue. For us, it’s now a full-fledged internal war between AIPAC, which takes direction from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, and JSTREET, which has been hired (for all intents and purposes) by the Obama Administration.

Let’s keep things in context though, shall we?  All this is just the calm before the storm.  While all the hullabaloo is going on in Congress vis-à-vis this Treaty, in the backrooms behind the scenes, the PA, France and New Zealand (in cooperation with President Obama) are busy drafting a UN Resolution that is designed to force Israel to withdraw back to the 1967 borders some time by the end of next year.  The idea is ostensibly to divide Jerusalem so that the Palestinians will have their capital along with cutting out other parts of Israel, places where only fellow Arabs will be able to trod (as stated outright by PA President Abbas).  

After Congress votes and the Iranian dust settles, the mainstream media will no doubt focus on swaying public opinion in support of the new UN resolution. Not sure though if the Israeli coalition government will be able to stand up to this latest UN charade, since there is zero chance of the US vetoing the resolution.  Certainly, the Right, and even those more in the Center here in Israel will no longer be suckered into a Gush Katif-like deal, and will fight tooth and nail.

Having said that, what can be the antidote in securing Israel’s lofty future?

An undeniable truth needs to be revealed.  And the only real antidote to all these existential threats that surround us today lies not necessarily in military might, but rather in revealing the truth, because the truth can be the best weapon.  Certainly where the media is concerned.  Discovering the holy Temple vessels that are in that cave in the above-mentioned story will do just that.  It will give Israel the strength and moral fortitude to connect back with her ancient roots, and will inspire those in power to respond in kind to the UN threat by drawing its own borders, i.e. – the biblical borders of Israel that can be properly protected.  This includes the fight to keep a unified Jerusalem alive for the foreseeable future.  And when these Temple items are indeed found in Jewish hands, all the nations will know that the building of another everlasting edifice is on its way in order to house them, and in our very days.  A Temple not only for the Jews, but for all peoples.  This, of course, will be good of ALL Israeli citizens, no matter what the background or religion.

Professor Gabriel Barkay (who appears in my recent book: The A.R.K. Report) has said time and time again that finding these Temple treasures will put to rest once and for all (what I call) Temple Denial Syndrome, or TDS, which was originally started by Yasser Arafat in his conversations with President Clinton at Camp David in 2000.   Denying the existence of any historical Jewish structure on the Temple Mount was, and is, an integral part of the PA’s media machine, which is still running full out today.  The following was his press statement at the time:

“They found not a single stone proving that the Temple of Solomon was there, because historically the Temple was not in Palestine (at all). They found only remnants of a shrine of the Roman Herod.”

Why do we give in to believing the Arab propaganda machine? Not only is it an assault on the truth, but an assault on common sense!  Now, right now, it may be possible to prove him wrong once and for all.  We’re that close to finding the real deal, and it’s just outside our (proverbial) front door.

It’s that close…

Read more at http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/47471/finding-the-holy-vessels-is-now-the-time-opinion/#I2rChsUpZMFxKKCs.99

Exhibit Reveals Major Chapter in Jewish History

Exhibit Reveals Major Chapter in Jewish History

By Julie Stahl and Chris Mitchell
CBN News Middle East Bureau
Friday, March 27, 2015

JERUSALEM, Israel -- One of the most significant periods in Israel's history came during the Babylonian exile described in the books of Daniel, Jeremiah. and Ezekiel.

Today, some ancient artifacts from that period, never before displayed, are providing new insight.

"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion." These are the opening words of Psalm 137, written when King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and carried the Judeans away, captive to an area that's now present day Iraq.

It's also the name of a new exhibit at Jerusalem's Bible Lands Museum that chief curator Dr. Filip Vukosavovic calls an "incredible puzzle."

"What we do here is for the first time tell a complete story of the Babylonian exile from approximately 604 B.C. when Nebuchadnezzar comes for the first time to the Land of Israel up to 539 [BC] when Cyrus …and the Persians conquer Babylon and release all the exiles," Vukosavovic told CBN News.

Much of the information for the exhibit came from clay tablets written in Akkadian, an ancient cuneiform script. On display for the first time ever, they tell of daily life in Al-Yahuda, the city of Judah in Babylonia.

Museum Director Amanda Weiss said the exhibit also opens a major chapter of Jewish history.

"Probably next to … the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, this is the most important documentation that has ever been revealed," Weiss told CBN News. "It's the thread that ties us to our ancestors."

An ancient tablet next to a modern one tells the story. The texts talk about real people -- exiled Judeans -- in everyday life scenarios, from rental agreements to tax issues.

"One of these people is Haggai, son of Ahikam," Vukosavovic explained. "I have actually chosen Haggai, simply [to] narrate the story of the Babylonia[n] exile that has never been told before."

Three animated movies feature Haggai telling the story from the first exiles all the way to Babylon.

Vukosavovic said he met Haggai in these texts.

"I know his brothers. I know his father. I know his grandfather and grandmother. You know, I know his great grandfather -- all this through these new texts that nobody has seen before," Vukosavovic said.

Weiss said one of her favorite parts of the exhibit is the model of the Al-Yahuda village.

"We actually are showing interactively a scene in daily life. And you can see plowing the fields and rowing down the canals and the rivers, people cooking in their home fires in the evening, and the date palm trees," Weiss said. "You get a sense of the cycle of life."

Part of what the tablets reveal is that the exiles followed Jeremiah's command to live prosperous lives.

"Build houses and live in them and plant gardens and eat their produce…multiply there and do not decrease. And seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare." -Jeremiah 29:5-7.

"So in 539, Cyrus the Great and the Persians conquered Babylon," Vukosavovic said. "Cyrus simply releases all the exiles. Many decide to stay, like Haggai and his family. They had established lives, they had rich lives, they had their families -- they had their schools."

"And only in 1950-1952, following the establishment of the State of Israel, the State of Iraq simply expelled thousands and thousands of Jews," he explained further. "So that is the full circle of the Jewish people that were exiled and returned after two-and-a-half thousand years."

Watch video: By-the-Rivers-of-Babylon

BLOOD MOONS AND PROPHETIC CONFUSION By Avner Boskey, Israel

BLOOD MOONS AND PROPHETIC CONFUSION

By Avner Boskey, Israel
April 10, 2014

The prophetic significance of the four lunar eclipses occurring on Jewish biblical feast days in 2014-15 has become a recent focus on the internet and even a best seller on Amazon. A few voices are suggesting that the so-called ‘blood moons’ are a portent of earth-shaking prophetic significance regarding the Jewish people.

The first of these ‘tetrads’ (a grouping of four – in this case, four lunar eclipses) kicks off on the first night of Passover next week. Here are some reflections on this subject.

How many tetrads?

Though only four specific eclipses are the main focus of these discussions, there are actually hundreds of examples of these tetrads available, and nearly all of them are passed over in silence by the advocates of the current ‘blood moon’ teaching, since 99% of these do not even come close to any major events in Jewish history.

Which major events in Jewish history are marked by ‘blood moons’?

Jewish history has seen many tragedies and victories. Haman’s potential campaign of Persian genocide, the destructions of the First and Second Temples, the defeat of the Syrian Greeks by the Maccabees, Bogdan Chmelniecki’s massacres of Ukrainian Jews, the Holocaust – these were all events of great magnitude. None had blood moon authentication or warning.

The three events currently being focused on in most of the ‘blood moons’ discussion concern –

– the Jewish aspects of the Inquisition (beginning in 1478 in Spain, and 1536 in Portugal, and continuing until 1821-26) with emphasis on the exile of Spanish Jewry in 1492,

– the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948,

– the liberation of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967.

Why these three events are chosen seems clear: they are the only major Jewish events that fall somewhat close to lunar tetrads.

Are these ‘blood moons’ really connected to any major events in Jewish history?

The lunar tetrads in question actually appeared after the events described – between ten months and sixteen years later! Therefore these ‘blood moons’ were not warnings at all but, as it were, ‘prophecies after the fact.’

The advocates of the current ‘blood moons’ teaching use special pleading in arguing why a lunar eclipse in 1949 is actually connected to 1948, or why a ‘blood moon’ in 1494 is connected to 1492, etc.
This non-professional use of Jewish history reveals a lack of precision and care, as well as a sensationalist and inaccurate ‘proof-texting’ regarding the issues of prophetic fulfilment. There is much smoke but little fire here. It indicates a grievous lack of discernment among some believers.

Mystical misunderstanding concerning the biblical Jewish calendar

The only calendar given by YHVH is what is commonly called the Jewish calendar; “YHVH spoke again to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, YHVH’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations – My appointed times are these’” (Leviticus 23:1-2). The telling of time was based on the lunar calendar (Number 29:6), and one feast (Trumpets) falls on the new moon while Passover and Tabernacles falls on or close to the full moon (“Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day. For it is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob”; Psalm 81:3-4)

So it is not surprising that a full moon might occur on a Jewish feast day. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of lunar eclipses do not fall on Jewish feast days and have nothing to do with significant events in Jewish history. Once one inserts these facts into the discussion, there is nearly no more need for intelligent discussion on the matter.

Are these ‘blood moons’ connected with a fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy?

The prophetic passages dealing with the moon turning to blood are Isaiah 13:9-11; 24:21-23; Ezekiel 32:1-10; Joel 2:10-12, 28-32; 3:12-17; Matthew 24:29-30; Acts 2:12-21; Revelation 6:12-16. One of these is specific to a localized judgment on Egypt, but the rest of the contexts deal with the final events on Planet Earth immediately preceding the return of Messiah Yeshua.

The context in these passages involves:

– An international time of severe judgment known as “The Day of the Lord”

– The darkening of sun, moon and stars – a simultaneous total blackout or gray-out

– The moon turning as red as blood

– A full multinational anti-Jewish military invasion of Israel

– Worldwide earthquakes of unprecedented magnitude

Next week’s miniscule pinkish-orange discoloration of the moon falls way short of the stunning biblical context described in these scriptural texts.

Is this truly a sign to Israel if the ‘blood moons’ are not visible in Israel?

According to NASA the lunar tetrads will not be visible over the skies of Jerusalem. So how then could these possibly be a sign to Israel?

One wag once said, “A specialist is someone fifty miles away from home.”

A fly in the ointment

One of the individuals associated with the ‘blood moon’ theory has had many of his teachings recorded and broadcast on public media. For some years he has denied that Yeshua ever claimed to be the Messiah; therefore the Jewish leadership of Yeshua’s day never rejected His Messiahship (he claimed). He also is on public record as stating that the Jewish people already have a covenant with God, and therefore do not need to accept the Messiah that Christians preach.

“Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil stink. So a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor.” (Ecclesiastes 10:1)

Biblical perspectives on the moon

The Scriptures have some helpful things to say about heavenly signs and even about the moon,

“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth;’ and it was so. God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day” (Genesis 1:14-19).

“He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down” (Psalm 104:19).

God’s sovereign creative power and order is seen in the created heavens: “Yours is the day, Yours also is the night; You have prepared the light and the sun. You have established all the boundaries of the earth. You have made summer and winter.” (Psalm 74:16-17).

The existence and procession of the moon through the skies is a spiritual sign that the nations recognize: “They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs. You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy” (Psalm 65:8).

The phases of the moon are a nearly incredible expression of His power and glory: “He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it … How faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” (Job 26:9-14).

The constancy of rhythm of the moon is seen as a prophetic reflection of God’s covenant faithfulness to David and to his dynasty: “I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray My faithfulness. I will not violate My covenant or alter what My lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by My holiness – and I will not lie to David – that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun. It will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky” (Psalm 89:33-37).

The moon is not only a stopwatch marking out God’s time and His order; it is the basis of the biblical calendar and an expression of God’s majesty. It is a sign in the heavens that causes us all to wonder.

Some in the world are wondering about what the ‘blood moons’ may mean this Passover. They do not mean a fulfilment of Joel, nor do they specifically portend powerful eschatological events concerning the Jewish people. About those the Bible already has a huge amount to say.

Finger-pointing and prophecy

An ancient Chinese sage once spoke a parable concerning the dynamics of apprehending truth. He noted that when someone points at an object with his finger, people tend to focus on the finger before they focus on the object in question. Some even develop an obsessive focus on the finger and do not benefit from learning what the finger itself is pointing at.

In the same way, unbalanced emphasis on the ‘blood moon’ teaching could end up skewing important biblical focuses – for instance, the amazing process of restoration of Israel to their Promised Land and their Messiah; the rising violent opposition of the nations to the Jewish people, their restoration and their God; the final harvest of the nations; the coming judgment of God and the return of David’s Greater Son the King of the Jews.

As we enter into the Passover season, let any fears we may have about cataclysmic blood moons subside, and let us wait on God for Him to reveal His mighty hand and outstretched forearm – even as did Moses and the Sons of Israel on the shores of the Red Sea,

For further background I encourage you to listen to Chris White’s helpful 12 minute link on YouTube athttp://m.youtube.com/watch?v=–kA2-5z2zI&sns=fb

Your prayers and support hold up our arms and are the enablement of God to us in the work He has called us to do!

In Messiah Yeshua,

Avner Boskey

Donations can be sent to:

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES

BOX 121971 NASHVILLE TN 37212-1971 USA

Donations can also be made on-line (by PayPal) through: www.davidstent.org

Love For His People Editor's Note: There have been many articles, books and TV interviews, from several sources, on the "blood moons" events over the past year. I personally appreciate all the attention given to the signs in the heavens, for they will come, as Jesus prophesied in Luke 21:25, "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves" NASB

Whichever position you believe, the main thing is that you are looking to Jesus, the Savior, for He is the One who must have our attention in these last days. We must trust in His prophetic words and Holy Spirit's guidance into all truth, as the days get closer to His return.

Keep looking up, with your eyes fixed on Him, Yeshua HaMashiach, the Messiah, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is coming back soon, as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Be ready.

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.

Thousands of Jews gather at Western Wall to mourn Tisha Be’av

Jerusalem Post    By DANIEL K. EISENBUD

07/15/2013 23:02

Select Language​▼

Jews fast to commemorate the destruction of the two temples.

Tisha Be’av at the Western Wall, July 15, 2013. Photo: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post

On the eve of Tisha Be’av, thousands of Jews gathered at the Western Wall Monday night to mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temples, pray for the creation of a Third Temple, and express hope for peace.

Tisha Bav in Jerusalem 2013       1 OF 7

Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post 

Tisha Be'av at the Western Wall, Jerusalem, July 15, 2013

Tisha Be’av (the ninth day of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar) is considered the “saddest day in Jewish history.” Jews fast to commemorate the Temples’ destruction, which occurred on the same day, 655 years apart.

Several other significant tragedies also befell Jews on this day, including their expulsion from England and Spain in 1290 and 1492, respectively; Heinrich Himmler’s presentation of the “Final Solution” in 1940; and the Nazi deportation of Jews from the Warsaw ghetto in 1942.

Gutman Locks, a Torah scholar and teacher originally from New York, helped parishioners wrap teffilin and pray a few meters from the Wall.

“What’s so special about coming here on Tisha Be’av is that this is the location where the Temples were destroyed – just on the other side of the Wall,” Locks said. “And that’s where the third one will be built when the Messiah comes, and that one will not be destroyed.”

“Even though it’s the saddest time of the year, we can see Jews come back to the land again, which was prophesized for thousands of years,” he continued. “We can actually see it happening.”

Indeed, Locks said he viewed Tisha Be’av through a prism of sorrow and hope.

“So, on one side it is very sad what has happened in our history, but now we can anticipate the happiest time of all creation, where the whole world will know God – will know peace,” he added. “We see it now, as more Jews live in Israel than any other place in the world.”

Sarit Berko, a retired, non-observant native Israeli, who came to the Wall to observe Tisha Be’av from her home in Tel Aviv, said she has made the pilgrimage since she turned 10 years old, following the Six Day War.

“My generation is so lucky to be born in Israel and not experience the Holocaust,” she said. “As I get older and more spiritual I believe this is my land and I am so grateful that I can come to mourn at this Wailing Wall, even though I’m not religious.”

Berko also expressed hope that the sorrow Tisha Be’av engenders will one day be transformed into joy.

“During Passover most Jews say ‘Next year in Jerusalem,’” she said. “As an Israeli I pray, ‘Next year may the Third Temple be built and last for eternity.’ We’re going to convert all our mourning into a festival, this is my prayer.”

Rabbi Steven M. Graber, who leads a congregation in Long Island, came to Jerusalem with his wife and two daughters to observe the day of mourning.

“Of course I think about the destruction of the Temples, but I see Jews rebuilding Israel – rebuilding Jerusalem – so it’s not really a sadness I feel, rather a keen awareness of every bit of history that’s gone on here from the time of David to today,” said Graber.

“I feel privileged to be alive at this juncture in history because I can be here as a free Jew and I can extrapolate toward the wondrous future I see in this country for our people,” he added.

Graber’s 19-year-old daughter Leora, a student at Queens College, said she viewed Tisha Be’av as a time for personal reflection.

“For me, I’d say that putting all historical reasons [to mourn] aside, this is more of a time to reflect on yourself as a Jew and to be a part of a larger community,” she said. “I think that’s why we’re here – to identify with our own Judaism and with each other.”

Meanwhile, Morrie and Millie Kaporovski of Netanya, who made aliya 29 years ago from Montreal, expressed conflicting feelings of hope and frustration regarding the lack of tolerance among Jews.

“Today means commemorating all the horrendous deeds that were done in the name of religion to the Jews,” said Millie, a grandmother. “All kinds of horrible things happened on Tisha Be’av, so we’re so lucky to have our country. It is our home and no one will take it away from us again.”

Morrie said he was troubled by a lack of tolerance among Jews in general, and in Jerusalem specifically.

“For me, I mourn for our own people – that we haven’t learned a thing in the last 5,000 years about how to be tolerant of other Jews,” he said. “Because it’s Tisha Be’av it’s a sad day and I’m [also] saddened by the fact that I am fast learning how to dislike the city of Jerusalem because of the lack of tolerance and acceptance of different ways of being Jewish.”

Still, Millie said that despite unpleasant infighting, she was heartened to live an unrivaled degree of freedom never experienced by her Jewish predecessors.  

“Just looking at the Kotel brings tears to my eyes because of all the Jews who haven’t been able to come here,” she said. “For us to be here, it’s a dream come true.”

Fasting for Tisha Be’av ends Tuesday night at 8:15 pm in Jerusalem and 8:18 pm in the Tel Aviv area.

Jerusalem Post website