On the 17th day of Tammuz (July 13) we commemorate when the walls of Jerusalem were breached in 69 CE, leading to the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. During this time, we reflect on this loss, but also try to learn from the past so we can grow and ensure a better future.
One of the causes of these tragic events was because of ‘baseless hatred’ among the Jewish people. In a sense, the real reason that the walls were breached and the Jewish people lost their sense of stability was not for external reasons, but because there was an internal breakdown of understanding, care, and love for one another that led to hatred.
We remember and reflect on these tragic times every year because there are still lessons we can learn and apply to our lives today to make the world better and brighter. When we choose to look for the good in others, to act with kindness, and to show up with care and understanding, we begin to repair what was broken and create a promising future. We reverse the breached walls to fortified walls of goodness and blessing.
Together, we can all make a difference and build a fortified future of blessing and goodness.
At the JAA, we embody what care and being there for one another is all about. Caring for our residents, supporting families, and being present for one another is at the heart of who we are. Whether it’s taking time to sit with someone and be present, share a moment, or lend a hand, we believe that every act of kindness matters.
May we continue to embody this quality of care, strengthening our blessings and goodness and sharing these blessings with our community and beyond.
-Rabbi Dovid Small