From The Rabbi

With hallmark courage and audacity, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke before a joint session of Congress in March and declared that "the enemy of my enemy is still my enemy". Who better to know this truth and articulate it with accuracy more than the prime minister of a state that has been under the attack of enemies since its birth in 1948? Nonetheless, events in the changing landscape of the Middle East might be opening a window of opportunity not previously possible or envisioned.

The Associated Press published (June 5, 2015) the results of a recently completed study conducted by the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya. The survey provides a rare glimpse inside Saudi Arabia and may change the way Jerusalem thinks about or relates publically to the Saudi kingdom. Let us remember that the two countries do not currently have formal diplomatic relations. The poll found that fifty-three percent of Saudis named Iran as their main adversary, while twenty-two percent said it was ISIS; and only eighteen percent said Israel. This poll was conducted in partnership with the University of Wisconsin, and was conducted in late May and early June. The survey also suggests that eight-five percent of Saudis support a dialogue with Israel towards the goal of resolving the dispute with the Palestinians.  The poll leaves a small percentage (about fifteen percent) of Saudis who still are guided by twentieth century antagonisms. Otherwise, an overwhelming number of respondents to the poll seem to be ready to negotiate with Israel for a better future. There is already peace with Egypt and peace with Jordan. Could Saudi Arabia be next?

It is a sad and frustrating reality that a genuine regional peace, with treaties protecting all of Israel's borders, is still nowhere in sight. That long tunnel has yet to share a glimpse of the light at its end. Nonetheless, the policies and politics of the world's larger countries in their pursuits of containment with Iran and the defeat of ISIS could inadvertently help other regional players find and embrace the advantages of common understandings that serve their best interests. The opportunity to dialogue with Saudi Arabia does not transform an enemy into a friend; but talking together about common concerns can result in mutually beneficial agreements. It might not be peace, but it would be a step in the direction of peace.

The survey also reported that twenty-five percent of Saudi respondents favor joint military operations between their country and Israel against Iran. This would probably not be the case if Israel maintained a weak and inept military.

Sobriety reminds us that a survey is nothing more than a verbal portrait of a slice in time. It is an academic picture of a fleeting moment. In this case, though, it provides italics to a verse in Psalms (29:11), "Ado-noi oze l'amo yeteyn, Ado-noi yevorech et amo b'shalom - May God grant strength to His people, may God bless His people with peace". Regardless of how or when a true regional peace is achieved, for Israel, it will be a by-product of national strength. It will need to be a military strength as well as a strength of will and a strength of fortitude. Israel and its leaders might find encouragement in the Herzliya poll, hopefully they do; but the leap from encouragement to a fruitful reality is more than a single giant step. It is a process paved with caution and courage, optimism balanced by history, and assurances that outweigh any compromises. 

"The Three Weeks"

Every summer is marked by a period of three weeks wherein Jews around the world mark two major calamities that befell our people in ancient times. These three weeks are inaugurated by the Seventeenth of Tammuz, and they conclude on the Ninth of Av. Historically, the first date was when the city of Jerusalem went under siege. The city of Jerusalem fell three weeks later, on Tisha B'Av. The schedule this summer is -

Shiva Asar b'Tammuz (Sunday, July 5) -

Fast begins - 4:10am

Morning Tefilot - 8:30am

Afternoon Prayers - 8:00pm

Fast ends - 9:03pm

Tisha B'Av Eve (Shabbat, August 25) -

Minchah - 8:00pm

Fast begins - 8:16pm

Shabbat ends - 8:58pm

Reading of Eichah - 9:15pm

Tisha B'Av (Sunday, August 26)

Shacharit - 8:30am

Kinot - 9:00am

Minchah - 2:00pm

Maariv - 8:15pm

Fast ends - 8:50pm

In calendar reality, both of these fast days occur on Shabbat, July 4 and July 25 respectively. The fasts are postponed until after Shabbat for logical and practical reasons. 

Special Notes for this year -

When Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbat or a Sunday, the final meal before the fast has none of the usual Tisha B'av restrictions. One may eat meat, drink wine, and enjoy a meal of multiple dishes. This Seudah Shelishit must be completed before sunset (8:16pm).

Leather footwear is not normally worn on Tisha B'Av. This year, we may wear leather footwear until after Shabbat ends (8:58pm) and then change to other footwear. Worshippers who wear leather shoes to shul for Shabbat Minchah should remove their shoes for Maariv and Eichah.

When Tisha B'Av is observed immediately following Shabbat, Havdallah is not recited until after the conclusion of the fast on Sunday night. At that time, only only blessings recited are "Shehakol" over a non-wine beverage, and "HaMavdil".

Traditions and Observances

The intensity of the mourning mounts as the days pass. For the duration of the three weeks, we abstain from haircuts, live music concerts, and elective occasions when it might be appropriate to recite the blessing of "Shehechiyanu". Weddings are not performed during these three weeks; and when possible, we postpone major purchases and major projects. Shaving should be avoided by men whose employment performance would not detrimentally impacted by a scruffy face. Beginning with the first day of the month of Av (Monday, July 28), we eliminate meat and wine from our daily diets (except for Shabbat); and we also eliminate recreational bathing. Some men abstain from shaving during these final nine days. We try to avoid wearing freshly laundered clothing during these nine days, and washing clothes is kept to a minimum. The Temple of Jerusalem fell on Tisha B'Av and it was set on fire end the end of the day, and the fires burned into the next day. Therefore, meat and wine are avoided at the dinner that breaks the day's fast; meat and wine are not consumed until after noon of the following day.

Sunday, August 30 - "The Chubby Chickpea" in Elizabeth Park, 4:00-6:30pm. Beth David's Annual Community Picnic will take place in Elizabeth Park, with catering provided by The Chubby Chickpea, a mobile food service offering the best selection and quality in Mediterranean and American cuisine. In case of rain, The Chubby Chick Pea will be at Beth David at 20 Dover Road, West Hartford. No purchase necessary - join us at the park to renew friendships, and purchase a meal only if you wish.

Thursday, September 3  - "A Kosher Wine Tasting Festival" at Maximum Beverage in Bishops Corner, 5:30-7:00pm. Appetizers will be offered along with selections of premium kosher wine not usually available in this area. Representatives of the major kosher wine distributors will be present to guide the tasting. No purchase necessary.

Thursday, September 3 - "The Apple and Honey Experience", or "How Many Different Ways Can You Taste Apples-and-Honey"?; at Bishops Corner on the sidewalk outside of Maximum Beverage, 5:30-7:00pm (same time and place as the wine tasting). Gourmet apples and unusual varieties of honey for free sampling. Holiday Judaica  items will be on display from The Judaica Store.