272 - In Remembrance of Tisha B'Av

July 18, 2002

Tisha B'Av can be problematic. We recall with pain and sorrow the destruction of the First and Second Temples and all the other catastrophes said to have occurred on that day. On the other hand, we have our own State and the remains of the Temple are in our possession. On the other hand, we are still counting the calamities, the latest occurring - again - on Tisha B'Av: two homicide bombers who struck last night in Tel Aviv.

Two Hundred Seventy-Two

In Remembrance of Tisha B'Av

In the shadow of the Wall, reunited City,
Near this place of renewed hope, our return,
We sat down and wept when we remembered
The latest sacrifices, bodies blown apart.

In disguise, our enemies attack us,
Evading detection to perform their evil tasks;
Reveal them before they can act,
Protect us with Your guidance.

Help us to reconcile gratitude and terror.
Holy One, You have brought us to this place,
Yet we do not live in security, in peace.
Jerusalem reunited is a bitter taste in our mouths.

Secure the City and the Land!
Bring us out of continuous mourning.
Let us bask in the harmony of commonplace,
Tranquility as our restored birthright.

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