The term ‘Wandering Jew’ might be a familiar one. To many Jews it may bring up visions of Anatevka and wandering Eastern Europe. But the term far predates Tevya. For me, it brings to mind centuries of homelessness- being adrift in an uncaring world. Ever since the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70 C.E., Jews have been guests in the lands of others, with their lives dependent upon limited hospitality, if not indifference. As (often undesirable) guests throughout Europe, Jews frequently had fewer rights than majority populations. Had not Rome destroyed the last outcropping of Jewish autonomy, Jews might have remained a political force with which to be reckoned.
Monday night, July 31, marks the 9th of Av. Known as Tisha B’Av it is the date upon which both First and Second temples were destroyed. For 20 centuries, we Jews have gathered in study, prayer and reflection on Tisha B’Av in hopes of coming to terms with world-changing destruction and loss of independence. Traditionally, a day of sorrow, I and many Conservative Jews fast. Unlike Yom Kippur whose fast is a cleansing spiritual fast, Tisha B’Av’s fast is an expression of loss and sorrow.
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