9th of Av and Summer Heat

The Jewish Calendar is linked to the seasons and the Land of Israel, so I guess the fact that our greatest tragedies have taken place during the hottest days of the year must mean something. It doesn't rain during the summer in the HolyLand.

Temple Mount Today

We have two fast days during the hottest and driest time of the year, the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, just three weeks apart. They both commemorate the invasion of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Holy Temple. If we're suffering now, with running water, fans and airconditioning, try to imagine how difficult it was thousands of years ago when the city and Temple were burning with real fire.

Our house doesn't have air-conditioning. Most of the summer I don't need it, but by yesterday the heatwave got to me, and I've been telling people:

"It's so hot I've been feeling young all of a sudden. It's like hot flashes from menopause!"