Tisha B'Av

On this date 1 million people were killed and thousands sent into exile after the destruction of the first temple

On this date began the Spanish inquisition where 80 thousand Jews were forced out of spain, 40 thousand were forced to convert, and 5 thousands were brutally killed

On this date began the deportation of 300 thousand Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto the Treblinka Death Camp

On this date throughout history millions of Jews have been murdered, had their lives destroyed, simply for being Jewish

This evening marks the beginning of Tisha B’av, a Jewish day of mourning. Throughout history, as you have seen in the Ulam, a number of atrocities happened to the Jewish people on this day. Jews throughout the world spend Tisha B’av in a state of mourning. We, too, at Camp Solelim will recognize and respect the tragedies that happened on Tisha B’av.

Tisha B’av is traditionally observed by fasting, not listening to music, not playing sports, not cheering, and other rituals of mourning. At camp, in order to respect those who are observing Tisha B’av, as well as to help engage us and find meaning in Tisha B’av, we will not play basketball and we will not play music out of speakers or in the Mo.

Tisha B’av at camp is marked by a number of programs attempting to make this day relevant, meaningful and understandable for the campers and staff. While we understand that numerous discussion programs can be tiring, we hope that you will be able to stay engaged throughout the day, and recognize the importance of learning about Tisha B’av.

Many of these events happened hundreds and thousands of years ago. Many of the events of Tisha B’av were biblical, like the destruction of the two temples, and a number were more modern including the Spanish inquisition. While some events that occurred within the Holocaust happened on Tisha B’av, this day should not be confused for Yom Hashoah or Holocaust remembrance day.

One way of understanding the significance of Tisha B’av is recognizing that throughout history Jewish people have been murdered, raped and had their belongings destroyed. The motivation behind many of these atrocities was simply that the people were Jewish. Whether we find a connection with Judaism or not, we are the Jewish people. Had we been born at a different time, we could have been victims to these atrocities and been unable to live freely as Jewish people like we do in Canada today. For this reason, we asked you to write down your goals. The victims of the events of Tisha B’av were normal Jewish people like you and me. They too had normal goals. They too played sports with their friends. They too loved their families. And they too had dreams they wished to see fulfilled.

Because of these events, Jewish people like you and me, were unable to live out their dreams. Evil people have tried to wipe out the Jewish people but we are still here today. We will soon take a moment of silence. While we are silent we hope you realize that the goals you have written down have two meanings. One is a personal goal for yourself to fulfill, but another significance is for all the Jewish people who were unable to live out their goals.  By chasing your dream, you are continuing the Jewish people, and ensuring that while Jews have been persecuted for thousands of years, we will not disappear.

Please stand for a moment silence.