A Message from Rabbi Wexler

Today, 17th day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, is a minor fast day (from dawn to dusk) which commemorates the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple. The 17th of Tammuz also marks the beginning of the three-week quasi mourning period leading up to the most solemn day of the Jewish year, Tisha B’Av (a major fast day—from dusk to dusk). The three weeks beginning with the 17th of Tammuz and ending with the 9th of Av are known as Bein haMetzarim ("between the straits", i.e. between the days of distress).

Why such sadness over walls that were breached nearly 2,000 years ago?  Well, in the ancient world, walls represented a very strong aspect of national strength and sovereignty. A city could be a city, but there was really no security to it unless it had a wall, and no one wants to reside in a city without a strong aspect of security. A people could be conquered, but to have a city without walls meant true humiliation and vulnerability. The breach of the walls of Jerusalem created a fissure in the foundation of Judaism and Jewish sovereignty of the holy city.

This Weekend

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Happy Song Music Class on Thursdays at 10am until August 10. Details here

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Aging With Grace Class with Gilah Lewis Sietz on Thursday, July 13 at 4pm Details here

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Learning with Zug Summer Session "Power and Money" on Thursdays, August 3, 10, 17 24 at 10am Details here

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