The 9th of Av marks the deepest day of mourning on the Jewish calendar: a fast day when we remember the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other moments of loss and exile in Jewish history. It is traditional to chant the book of Lamentations and recite special poems – songs of loss and sadness. Tisha B'Av is also a turning point in the Jewish calendar, for immediately afterwards we begin counting seven weeks to Rosh Hashanah – weeks of comfort and preparation for renewal. This year, we are joining with Temple Hillel Bnai Torah for an erev Tisha b'Av program, and with T'ruah and JALSA and many other congregations for an action during the day - read on for details of both.
Saturday, August 2, 8:00-9:30 pm
Temple Hillel B'nei Torah (120 Corey St, West Roxbury, MA)
As we usher in this fast day, the most somber day on the Jewish calendar, the Dorshei Tzedek and HBT communities will come together to commemorate the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem, and more broadly to connect to the brokenness in our lives as Jews, as Americans, and as human beings. All are invited to join Rabbis Aliza Schwartz and Toba Spitzer for an evening of song, reading from the book of Lamentations, reflection, and learning with HBT member Deeana Klepper. Together, we will create sacred space to hold our individual and communal grief in these broken times, even as we begin to imagine the possibility of a world repaired. To help us have a sense of how many people will be attending, please RSVP at this link.
Sunday, August 3, 4:30-6:00 pm
DHS ICE Boston Field Office, Burlington
As we mourn the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem, times of devastating loss and dislocation for the Jewish people, we call on our leaders to actively resist the federal assault on the dignity, safety and wellbeing of immigrants in our community. We reject the weaponization of Jewish fear into a tool for dismantling civil liberties and instead uphold the tenets of our faith that compel us to protect and stand with marginalized communities. To rebuild sanctuary in the Commonwealth, we ask that our Massachusetts elected officials – including Governor Healey and members of the legislature – do everything in their power to protect immigrants and build a Commonwealth that upholds the dignity and safety of all people.
Parking information: We recommend using the Macy's overflow lot (75 Burlington Mall Road, follow signs for Macy's, see map). For those with mobility challenges, there are often spots open in the FAA lot (beside the ICE Office) and in the BAE Systems lot (directly across the street from the ICE office on the other side of District Ave).
