Middah Guide - Av 5773      These new moons come upon us so quickly! Today we welcome the new Hebrew month of Av. It is in this Hebrew month that we historically experienced many tragedies of our people. The most prominent among them were the Destruction of the First and Second Temples.  Out of each tragedy, we rebuilt.  This month's middah on simplicity teaches us about being content with what we have and about focusing on what we need rather than on what we want.  It is about lessening our drive for materials, so that we can enjoy more fully life's abundant non-material gifts.      As we ponder the transformation that came with Tisha B'Av, please join us at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 15th, for our Tisha B'Av Commemoration Program entitled "Learning from our Losses and Celebrating our Survival."  Join the clergy of Temple Beth El for a pre-fast meal for both those who choose to fast and for those who don't. We will begin Tisha B'Av with the study of midrash on Lamentations and reflection on the persistence of Jewish survival emerging from tragedy. The cost of the meal is $10 per person discounted member price and $12 per person regular price. Call 704-749-3070 to RSVP. May this new Hebrew month of Av bring you comfort and inspiration! Fondly, Rabbi Judy