From Agony to Action and from Tears to Teshuva: Bringing the Geulah

Description

Rabbi Goldberg reflects on how modern observances of Tisha B’Av, filled with multimedia content like videos and films, can sometimes lead to a mindset of merely “getting through” the day. He warns against this mentality, stressing that Tisha B’Av is not about distraction or just passing time until the fast ends, but rather about genuine mourning and introspection. He emphasizes that the goal of the day’s sorrow and reflection is to move us to tears, but more importantly, to actions that bring about positive change. Rabbi Goldberg connects Tisha B’Av to the upcoming month of Elul, traditionally a time of preparation for the High Holidays, by interpreting the letters “Av” as an acronym for “Elul Ba” (Elul is coming). He urges his listeners not to see the end of Tisha B’Av as a time to relax, but as a call to ramp up their efforts in spiritual growth and community building.