As the Jewish calendar passes through the summer months, Bein Hametzarim, the period colloquially known as “The Three Weeks,” will soon be observed. This time period goes through various stages of mourning over the destruction of the two Temples and other Jewish tragedies.
Though the period usually begins with Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, the Fast of the 17th Day of Tammuz, the fast will be observed this year on the 18th Day of Tammuz on Sunday, July 5, from before dawn till after sundown. The laws of mourning intensify during the Nine Days, beginning with Rosh Chodesh Av on Friday, July 17. The Three Weeks will culminate with the 24-hour fast of Tisha B’Av on Saturday night, July 25 through Sunday, July 26.
The Orthodox Union has partnered with Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF) to produce a DVD consisting of various shiurim with the goal of bringing deeper meaning and spirituality to Tisha B’Av. The video will feature presentations by Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, University Professor of Jewish Thought and History at YU and YU CJF Senior Scholar; and Rabbi Shalom Rosner, maggid shiur at OU Torah, spiritual leader of Kehillat Nofei Hashemesh and rebbe at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim. The DVD, coordinated by Rabbi Robert Shur from YU CJF, is being sent to all congregations that request it in advance at www.oucommunity.org.
Also on Tisha B’Av, the OU will present its annual multi-hour webcast of shiurim by OU Executive Vice President, Emeritus Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, and OU Senior Managing Director Rabbi Steven Weil. This will be streamed live online at www.ou.org.
“The videos prepared by the Orthodox Union and Yeshiva University will provide an opportunity for members of synagogues to spend time on Tisha B’av afternoon reflecting on the tragedies that have occurred on this day, on the rise of global anti-Semitism, and this year’s events in France and in Israel,” explained Rabbi Judah Isaacs, OU Director of Community and Synagogue Engagement.
For more information and to request the DVD for your synagogue visit www.oucommunity.org.
