Today is a fast day, the 17th of Tammuz, and it ushers in a period of sadness in the Jewish calendar year, culminating in the Fast of the 9th of Av (Tisha b'Av)--the day on which both Temples were destroyed (not to mention other calamities). Is this about wallowing in the sufferings of the past? No, rather, we are truthfully acknowledging that the world is NOT where we want it to be, and coming to terms with how we Jewish people-chiefly through the transgression of sinat chinam (baseless hatred)--brought about the destruction of the Second Temple! In these three weeks, we mourn the dimming of that divine light in the world...so we can LONG for its return, and take personal responsibility to lead better and more righteous lives that will bring that about.

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