bbr flag flag is us flag

*Translation: Google Translate

29 Av 5786 | August 12, 2026

A | A

Search

A | A

Did you know?

Why do Jews wear Tefillin?

The putting on of Tefillin is a mitzvah commanded by the Torah and mentioned, among other passages, in the Shema Yisrael itself. Tefillin consist of two small leather boxes containing parchments with four passages from the Torah. One is placed on the arm, directed towards the heart, and the other on the head, above the forehead.

According to our Sages, this arrangement has a profound meaning: the Tefillin for the head are associated with the intellect, while those for the arm, placed towards the heart, are linked to emotions. The straps that extend along the arm and hand also symbolize the transition from thoughts and feelings to action. By putting on the Tefillin, a person expresses the desire to dedicate their mind, heart, and actions to the service of God.

Thus, putting on Tefillin is not merely fulfilling a commandment of the Torah. It is also establishing a daily spiritual connection with God, seeking to direct one's thoughts, feelings, and actions toward His will.

What is the most fundamental principle of the Jewish faith?

According to Maimonides (Rambam), the foundation of all Jewish faith is the belief in God as the Creator of all things. In his Thirteen Principles of Jewish Faith, he teaches that God created the universe, governs it, and continues to sustain it at every moment.

For Maimonides, this belief is the foundation upon which all other principles of faith rest. According to Judaism, God not only created the world, but is also the permanent source of its existence: everything that exists continually depends on His will to continue existing.

For this reason, belief in God is considered the foundation upon which all other teachings of the Torah are based.

Why is Tu B'Av one of the happiest days in the Jewish calendar?

The Talmud teaches that the Jewish people have never known happier days than Yom Kippur and Tu b'Av, the 15th day of the month of Menachem Avenue. Although Tu b'Av Although it is neither a biblical nor rabbinical celebration, this date has come to symbolize renewal, hope, and reconstruction after mourning. Tisha b'Av, the saddest day in the Jewish calendar.

Just six days after the fast of Tisha b'AvThe Jewish calendar leads us to its most joyful day. This transition from mourning to joy expresses one of Judaism's deepest teachings: periods of greatest darkness are followed by renewal, reconstruction, and redemption.

Why is the Amidah considered the most important prayer in Judaism?

The Talmud refers to Amide (Shemonê Esrê) simply as "the Prayer" (TefillahThe Eucharistic Prayer (or Candomblé Prayer) is considered the culminating point of all Jewish prayers. It is through the Eucharistic Prayer that a person praises God, presents their requests, and concludes the prayer with words of gratitude.

Recited standing up — which is why it is also called AmideThe word "stand" literally means "standing," and this prayer was composed by the Men of the Great Assembly, a group that included prophets among its members. Our Sages teach that each of its words contains profound meaning and spiritual power.

Therefore, the Amide It occupies the center of daily prayers and is considered one of the most solemn moments in Jewish liturgy.

Why is Tisha B'Av a fast of more than 24 hours?

In addition to Yom Kippur, Tisha b'Av It is the only fast in the Jewish calendar that lasts more than 24 hours. Just like Yom Kippur, the fast begins at sunset (shekiah — the same time that Shabbat begins on Fridays) and ends only at nightfall the following day.

During this period, it is not only permitted to eat and drink, but also to bathe or wash oneself for pleasure, anoint oneself with oils or creams, wear leather shoes, and engage in marital relations. Tisha b'AvThe study of the Torah is also restricted, with only the study of texts related to mourning, such as the Book of [unclear], being permitted. Eicha (Lamentations), the Book of Job, and Talmudic passages about the destruction of Jerusalem.

These restrictions express the profound grief over the destruction of the two Holy Temples in Jerusalem and the spiritual and historical consequences of their loss. Thus, Tisha b'Av It is experienced as a day of reflection, repentance, and hope for future Redemption.

Did the Holy Temple benefit only the Jewish people?

No. Although the Beit HaMikdashEven though the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was the center of the spiritual life of the Jewish people, its influence extended to all of humanity.

During the festival of Sukkot, 70 bulls were offered in the Temple, corresponding to the 70 nations of the world mentioned in the Torah. Our Sages teach that these sacrifices were offered as a source of blessing, atonement, and protection for all the peoples of the world.

Therefore, the destruction of the Holy Temple did not represent a loss only for Israel. According to Judaism, all of humanity was deprived of an important source of peace, blessing, and closeness to God.

Why is Tisha B'Av the saddest day in the Jewish calendar?

Tisha b'Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Menachem AvenueIt is considered the saddest day on the Jewish calendar because, on this date, some of the greatest tragedies in the history of the Jewish people occurred. The most significant were the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians and the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans.

These events marked the beginning of long periods of exile, persecution, and suffering for the Jewish people. Therefore, Tisha b'Av It recalls not only the destruction of the two Holy Temples, but also the spiritual and historical consequences of their loss, the effects of which are still felt today.

More than a day of mourning, Tisha b'Av It invites each person to reflection, spiritual strengthening, and hope in the future reconstruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

1 2 3 ... 44

Lighting the candles

Icon

Loading

Loading

Loading

Icon

Loading

Loading

Loading

Lighting the candles