A meaningful fast

There are many arguments for and against observing the Fast of Tishah B’Av. One reason for doing so, however, is very compelling for those among us who are not inclined to fast. In a real sense, not fasting is providing comfort to the Palestinian argument that the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel is a false one.

That is an argument heard over and again, even here in our own area, because it flows so readily from the lips of the Imam Mohammed Qatanani.

The Fast of Tishah B’Av commemorates the destruction of the First Temple in 587 B.C.E. and the Second Temple in 70 C.E. Unofficially, it also marks the end of the Bar Kochba Revolt in the final battle at Beitar in 135 C.E.

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Not fasting could be interpreted by some as our way of acknowledging that the Qatananis of the world speak truth. By fasting, we acknowledge a history in the land that goes back 2,600 years at least.

Think about that Saturday night as the sun sets, Shabbat exits, and the observance of Tishah B’Av begins.

For those who are fasting, may it be an easy one.