Moreover, we are beginning the period of the “three weeks” that last from Shiva Asar B’Tammuz until Tisha B’Av. More than just a “bridge between two fast days,” the three weeks are, historically, a time of continuing tragedy. During this period of mourning, certain restrictions have become customary. These restrictions intensify at the beginning of the month of Av during the period known as the “nine days.”
This time of mourning, on this particular year, at this precise moment in history, can be transformed into a spectacular opportunity for personal and collective improvement as we join our brethren around the globe in supporting Israel during these arduous weeks ahead. As we witness the upsurge in the most egregious forms of Jew hatred in such “civilized and cultured” places as Paris and other European capitals in which pro-Hamas demonstrators are calling for the death of Jews (not Zionists, but Jews), let us remember that when the Jew abandons his faith, when he leaves the path of Torah and mitzvos, Hashem takes out a figurative “help wanted” sign, calling on all anti-Semites, and of course, there is never a shortage in those who apply for the job.
Let us use these valuable days and weeks ahead to work on improving our own character traits and behaving towards each other with kindness, care and concern. Let us storm the gates of Heaven with our heartfelt prayers and supplications to the G-d of Israel for others who are in pain or who are suffering and especially for our intrepid IDF soldiers. Let us ban together as a cohesive nation, and let us establish the kind of achdut (unity) that has represented the divine protection that is imperative to our survival.