The period between Rosh Chodesh Av (the first day of the Hebrew month of Av) and the 9th of Av is regarded as a time of mourning, and it is traditional observe many of the same prohibitions as one would while grieving a relative (G-d forbid). The reason for this is that the Jewish People are mourning the destruction of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem; both of which were destroyed on the same date (Tisha B’Av—the Ninth of Av), as well as other tragedies that occurred then (the Spanish Inquisition began on the 9th of Av in 1492.) Why do we mourn an event that occurred so long ago, and may seem to have little external connection to our lives today? After all, are Temples really relevant to Modern Life?
The Temple was not merely a building, but was a spiritual powerhouse. According to Jewish mysticism, holiness was openly revealed in the Holy Temples and miracles were clearly seen by everyone. Now, we have to struggle to find such a connection with G-dly power, which is sometimes like grasping in the darkness. The reason that we mourn the Temples and long for the Third one to be rebuilt is that we want to experience this light once again in the world, and to perceive the strong bond with G-d on a day to day basis.
Things avoided during the Nine Days include: haircuts, eating a kind of fruit for the first time in the season, wearing new clothing, cutting nails, laundry (except for children’s clothes), meat, wine (except on Shabbat), music, joyful activities (except if it is for a mitzvah, such as a bris, a circumcision ceremony, which cannot be postponed), weddings and bathing the entire body in warm water (some pregnant women and ill people may bathe; ask a Rabbi for further details.)
During the Victorian era, Jewish Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, was walking past a Jewish community in London on Tisha b’Av. Although a proud Jew, Disraeli had been baptized as a baby, and had received little Jewish education. He observed how the Jews were weeping and mourning the destruction of the Temple. He was amazed that a people could be so connected with a tragedy that occurred so long ago, and exclaimed, “If the Jews mourn with such earnestness a Temple that was destroyed 2,000 years ago, they should see it rebuilt!”
May Disraeli’s blessing be fulfilled in our time!