9-day Jewish Mourning (and Artless) Period Commemorates Destruction of Temples

July 23, 2012

9-day Jewish Mourning (and Artless) Period Commemorates Destruction of Temples

HOUSTON CHRONICLE | ICONIA
By Menachem Wecker

"Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem" (1635-1636) by Nicolas Poussin

Last Friday was the first day (Rosh Chodesh in Hebrew) of the Jewish month of Av, which marks the beginning of a nine-day mourning period in Jewish law. That period culminates in the fast of the Ninth of Av, which, since if falls on a Sabbath-Saturday this year, is observed on the 10th of Av, Sunday July 29. [link]

According to rabbinic tradition six actions are to be avoided during this period including enjoyment of the Arts.

Comments

Ernest Disney-Britton said…

As a Christian, I find the variety and levels of holydays for non-Christian faiths, like Judaism and Islam to be too complex for me to understand with complete clarity. Such is the example of Rosh Chodesh, but a post like this from Menachem along side this painting of the Destruction of Temple gives me a visceral understanding that brings me some comforting insights. I know there is more to it but at least Poussin's image gives me firm grounding to start the journey of discovery. Thanks Menachem...again.

Mon Jul 23, 04:56:00 PM EDT