Todah Le’HaShem Part I

Article from: Alon HaKodesh (2) Tu B'Av Edition

Perplexing as it may be in our times, attaining spiritual success on Tisha B’Av (9th of Av) means that you’ve cried [real teshuva tears] over the monumental loss of the Holy Beit HaMikdash, almost two thousand years ago.  Even more puzzling is when we learn that Tu B’Av (15th of Av, i.e. less than a week later), is coined as one of the two most joyous days for the nation of Yisrael (Ta’anit 26B).[1]  Though not an official biblical or rabbinical holiday, Tu B’Av is treated as a special day where Tachanun prayer is not recited.  In addition to the half a dozen reasons mentioned in the same Gemara[2], the Sages are also teaching us one of the principal foundations to a successful life—it’s okay to be sad, but not for too long.  

“Mitzvah gedola lihiyot b’simcha tamid”