I would be a horrible Jew

It's a good thing my parents were not Jewish. Too much fasting and I enjoy my food too much to give it up that often. By my count, there are two major fast days and five minor fasts in the Jewish year. Since I did not grow up in their culture, my counting could be off by a couple dozen.


Why do I bring this up now? Today is one of those major fasts. It is Tisha B'Av - or the ninth of Av.

This is a day of mourning and remembrance as tradition holds both the first temple and the second temple in Jerusalem were destroyed on this day (separated by over 650 years). Jews observe this day as the saddest day in their history. It is a day that is punctuated with wailing and deep lament. And fasting.

As Jewish holidays start at sunset the preceding day and end at night fall, my efforts to observe Tisha B'Av started last night. It's been a long time since I last fasted, and in this respect I would make a horrible Jew. And by 'horrible' I mean 'unsuccessful in every respect.' When Jews fast, they abstain from both food and beverage. I think that's insane (no disrespect intended). I can hold off the food, but the thirst is overwhelming. I've had much water today, but I've managed to avoid edible products. It would be an understatement to say that I'm hungry. I can't wait for sunset.

I'm not fully able to embrace the mourning and sadness over the temple's destruction. In my own personal faith I believe that we've been promised a new Jerusalem and that I am God's temple. However, there is one tradition that I can get into. Every year, on the ninth of Av, the book of Lamentations is read aloud in synagogues as it is Jeremiah's testimony of the first temple's destruction. It's my favorite book in the Bible - it's showing us that it is acceptable to express grief and sorrow.

For two and a half chapters, Jeremiah complains about how his life is miserable. Then in the midst of all that hurt, he says something amazing:


I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.*


That, for me, is the meaning in Tisha B'Av. No matter what hurts, there is hope. But for now, I'm hungry and the sun has almost sunk below the horizon.



* Regardless of your beliefs, you should read the third chapter of Lamentations. It's amazing.

Rise Up

In the liturgical calendar, the Easter season continues past Easter Sunday for another 40 days. The 40th day (a Thursday) is Ascension Day, commemorating the Biblical account that Jesus ascended into Heaven 40 days after being raised from the dead.

The holiday is supposed to be a feast, but after Eat What You Want Day, I'm more in the mood to fast rather than feast. The day is filled with rich historical tradition, but my kids are too your to appreciate those rituals.

So instead, we played. after an hour at the park, my daughter refused to get off the swing. I've never seen her so happy. That is the longest she's ever sat content in one place. We have to get a swing set for our back yard.


Personally, I used the day for some reflection. The Biblical passage of Jesus' ascension also contained his final promise to his followers: "I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

I believe those words, but how well am I living as if that promise is still true? How do I rise up to show that Jesus is with me, always, to the end of the age?

Livin' on a Prayer

A wise theologian, a Mr. Em Cee Hammer, once said, "We got to pray just to make it today."

OK, Hammer wasn't much of a theologian, and I'm not sure anyone would consider him wise. But there is a bit of truth in Hammer's 1990 single. Prayer is important. Today is a day were that importance is recognized on a national level.

Let try something different. Instead of sitting down at the end of the day to tell you what and how I celebrated, I'm giving you the opportunity to dictate how I spend the National Day of Prayer.

If there is something that you've been praying for, and you'd like someone to come along side to pray with you, leave me a comment below. Or if you'd prefer something more private, send me a message on facebook.

And if you don't pray or believe in the power of prayer, don't feel left out. Today is also Beverage Day, which I will be observing by drinking a lot of water.