The Curse of Galut

The day of Tisha B’Av is meant to be one of reflection. When we remember the destruction of our two Temples in Jerusalem, we should also remember what this tragedy has meant for the Jewish people.

We went from being a holy nation living in our holy Land, to a fragmented nation scattered all over the world. The terrible curse of Galut, the Exile set in. We were strangers in strange lands and were not treated well by our hosts. When we were treated decently, we were affected by the cultures of these lands, and many Jews assimilated. Today we are plagued with intermarriage that has taken its toll on our people.

The worst tragedy of all, was the ignorance that developed among the majority of Jews all over the world. The basic knowledge of the Torah and Judaism, became foreign to too many Jews.

Thankfully, we are witnessing a rebirth of Judaism today, as Hashem has been openly revealing Himself to the Jewish people. Many Jews are returning as they are moved by the events around them. Nevertheless, the theme of the day is that we return to G-d as in the days of old. We must pray that once again we will witness the prophecy of Yechezkel fulfilled. “You will be My people, and I will be your G-d.”