#BAr Kochba 135 CE died

[yhebrew]

Proof ISRAEL is God's Chosen!

Bar Kochba Revolt Pattern 132-136 * Tetrad 2032 2033 * San Remo Forgotten When we talk about ‘the Hand of God’ in our lives, what does that exactly mean? For me, I believe God cares about every hair on our head. He allows testing as Yeshua Jesus was to continue his test even after asking that it would pass from him. Any human being would have anxiety about being scourged to death. Yeshua was…

[eretzyisrael]

Tisha B'Av - The Ninth of Av

What Happened on the Ninth of Av?

On Tisha B'Av, five national calamities occurred:

During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 10 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE)

The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. 100,000 Jews were slaughtered and millions more exiled. (586 BCE)

The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, led by Titus. Some two million Jews died, and another one million were exiled. (70 CE)

The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The city of Betar – the Jews' last stand against the Romans – was captured and liquidated. Over 100,000 Jews were slaughtered. (135 CE)

The Temple area and its surroundings were plowed under by the Roman general Turnus Rufus. Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city – renamed Aelia Capitolina – and access was forbidden to Jews.

Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history occurred on the Ninth of Av, including:

The Spanish Inquisition culminated with the expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'Av in 1492.

World War One broke out on the eve of Tisha B'Av in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia. German resentment from the war set the stage for the Holocaust.

On the eve of Tisha B'Av 1942, the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka.

Aspects of Mourning: The Afternoon Before Tisha B'Av

During the afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av, it is customary to eat a full meal in preparation for the fast.

At the end of the afternoon, we eat the Seudah Hamaf-seket – a meal consisting only of bread, water, and a hard-boiled egg.

The egg has two symbols: The round shape reminds us of a sign of the cycle of life. Also, the egg is the only food which gets harder the more it is cooked – a symbol of the Jewish people's ability to withstand persecution.

Food eaten at the Seudah Hamaf-seket is dipped in ashes, symbolic of mourning. The meal should preferably be eaten alone, while seated on the ground in mourner's fashion.

When the afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av occurs on Shabbat, there is no Seudah Hamaf-seket with eggs and ashes. Rather, the regular Shabbat "third meal" is eaten, albeit without guests and fanfare.

Restrictions on Tisha B'Av

Upon sundown, the laws of Tisha B'Av commence – consisting of the following expressions of mourning:

1. No eating or drinking until nightfall the following evening.

Pregnant and nursing women are also required to fast. If one suspects it could be harmful to the baby or mother, a rabbi should be consulted.

A woman within 30 days after birth need not fast.

Others who are old, weak, or ill should consult with a rabbi. (MB 554:11)

Medicine may be taken on Tisha B'Av, preferably without water.

In case of great discomfort, the mouth may be rinsed with water. Great care should be taken not to swallow anything. (MB 567:11)

2. Other prohibitions include:

Any bathing or washing, except for removing specific dirt – e.g. gook in the eyes (OC 554:9, 11). (Upon rising in the morning, before prayers, or after using the bathroom, one washes only the fingers. See OC 554:10, OC 613:3, MB 554:26)

Anointing oneself for pleasure. (Deodorant is permitted.)

Having marital relations.

Wearing leather shoes. (Leather belts may be worn.)(see: Laws of Shoes and Chairs)

Learning Torah, since this is a joyful activity. It is permitted to learn texts relevant to Tisha B'Av and mourning – e.g. the Book of Lamentations, Book of Job, parts of Tractate Moed Katan, Gittin 56-58, Sanhedrin 104, Yerushalmi end of Ta'anis, and the Laws of Mourning. In-depth study should be avoided. (MB 554:4)

3. Other mourning practices include:

Sitting no higher than a foot off the ground. After midday, one may sit on a chair. (OC 559:3)(see: Laws of Shoes and Chairs)

Not engaging in business or other distracting labors, unless it will result in a substantial loss. (OC 554:23)

Refraining from greeting others or offering gifts. (OC 554:20)

Avoiding idle chatter or leisure activities.

4. Following Tisha B'Av, all normal activities may be resumed, except for the following which are delayed until midday of the 10th of Av, because the burning of the Temple continued through the 10th of Av:

Haircuts and washing clothes. (When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, these are permitted immediately following Tisha B'Av, in honor of the coming Shabbat.)

Bathing. (When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, bathing is permitted on Friday morning.)

Eating meat and wine.

Music and swimming.

Prayer on Tisha B'Av

Lights in the synagogue are dimmed, candles are lit, and the curtain is removed from the Ark. The cantor leads the prayers in a low, mournful voice. This reminds us of the Divine Presence which departed from the Holy Temple.

The Book of Eicha (Lamentations), Jeremiah's poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, is read both at night and during the day.

Following both the night and day service, special "Kinot" (elegies) are recited.

In the morning, the Torah portion of Deuteronomy 4:25-40 is read, containing the prophecy regarding Israel's future iniquity and exile. This is followed by the Haftorah from Jeremiah (8:13, 9:1-23) describing the desolation of Zion.

In the afternoon, Exodus 32:11-14 is read. This is followed by the Haftorah from Isaiah 55-56.

Since Tallis and Tefillin represent glory and decoration, they are not worn at Shacharit. Rather, they are worn at Mincha, as certain mourning restrictions are lifted.

Birkat Kohanim is said only at Mincha, not at Shacharit.

Prayers for comforting Zion and "Aneinu" are inserted into the Amidah prayer at Mincha.

Shortly after the fast is broken, it is customary to say Kiddush Lavana.

When Tisha B'Av Falls on Shabbat

For a full treatment of this topic, see: When Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbat or Sunday.Here is a brief overview of the special conditions that apply:

The fast is pushed off until Saturday night/Sunday.

All other prohibitions of Tisha B'Av (washing, learning Torah, leather shoes, etc.) are permitted on Shabbat itself, except for marital relations. (Of course, regular Shabbat restrictions apply, such as anointing with cream and showering.)

Seudah Shlishit has none of the restrictions of Seudah Hamaf-seket, and may include meat and wine. However, the mood should be somber, should not include invited guests, and eating must stop before sundown.

Ma'ariv on Saturday night is delayed, so that everyone can say "Boruch Hamavdil bein kodesh li'chol," then remove their leather shoes and come to synagogue.

Havdallah on Saturday night is recited only over a candle, without wine or spices. On Sunday night, Havdallah is then said over wine.

Regarding the various prohibitions, some are lifted immediately upon completion of the fast (e.g. bathing, laundry and haircuts), while others remain prohibited until the following morning (meat, wine and music).

with thanks to Rabbi Moshe Lazerus

Source: aish.com

[infiniteglitterfall]

Yep. That was when the Greco-Roman Empire renamed the area "Syria Palaistinea" ("Palestinian Syria" - It's hard to read the ancient Greek lettering on this map, but it looks like it ends in an A here too).

Renaming and making it a part of Syria were ways to erase the indigenous population whose revolt it had just brutally crushed.

You can see that the "large red letters" are still smaller than the ones below them that say "ARABIA PETREA." That's because Arabia Petrea was a Roman province, while Palestine was a region in the province of Syria.

Wikipedia has a completely different version of this map for some reason. This is what they show as Ptolemy's map from 150 CE:

On this one it's labeled "Palestina-Iudea."

Wikipedia also has a modern reproduction of one from 135 CE, right after the Bar Kokhba Revolt that had been crushed.

In this one, the region is a province named "IUDAEA," or Judea. That's the pre-revolt name. You can see how the transition progressed.

The kingdoms of Judea, or Judah, and of Israel, went back more than 1,000 years.

Judah "was an Israelite kingdom of the Southern Levant during the Iron Age. Centered in the highlands of Judea, the landlocked kingdom's capital was Jerusalem.

"Jews are named after Judah and are primarily descended from it."

This is Wikipedia's map of what the region looked like around 3,000 years ago:

The indigenous Jews had already been invaded by the Babylonian Empire, persevered through its widescale massacres, regained their independence, been invaded and oppressed by the Greeks, and revolted against them twice.

The third revolt was their last. After achieving three years of freedom, all the hundreds of thousands of indigenous Jewish rebels were either killed or enslaved.

Historian Cassius Dio wrote, "50 of their most important outposts and 985 of their most famous villages were razed to the ground. 580,000 men were slain in the various raids and battles, and the number of those that perished by famine, disease and fire was past finding out. Thus nearly the whole of Judaea was made desolate."

Emperor Hadrian outlawed Judaism entirely. Executed Jewish scholars. Publicly burned sacred scrolls at the Temple Mount, and built giant statues of Roman gods there.

He expelled the indigenous Jews from Jerusalem, made Judea a part of Syria, and renamed it "Palaestina" after the horrible Philistines (who had basically been very violent pirates).

He died three years later, and many of his proclamations ended.

But Wikipedia's page on the Bar Kokhba Revolt adds, "A further, more lasting punishment was also implemented by the Romans. In an attempt to erase any memory of Judea or Ancient Israel, the name Judaea was dropped from the provincial name, and Provincia Iudaea was renamed Syria Palaestina" - the only time the Empire reacted to a revolt by expunging a nation's name.

And it worked.

Even though the Jews managed to maintain a presence in the region, and to become the majority population again, the Arab Empire would eventually take over.

It's been nearly two thousand years after the area was renamed. About 1300 years since it became majority Arab. Roughly 100 years since Arab people living there slowly started calling themselves Palestinians.

And people assume that the Palestinians, not the Jews, are the indigenous people there.

The oldest Ptolemy map of Palestine is dated 150 AD. The large red letters in the center say in Greek: Παλαιστινης or Palaistinis.

[itztagninut]

תשעה באב: tishe bov / tish’a be‘av

9 ov

This has always been one of the more complex Jewish holidays for me to understand. I mean, I understand it logically, I know what happened on this day. But it’s so much harder for me to feel it in my heart, you know what I mean? The Second Temple period of Judaism feels as foreign to me as Canaanite paganism. I thought I would share some things I’ve learned about the yontef in my quest to understanding it:

According to the Mishna (Ta’anit 4:6), תשעה באב marks the commmemoration of what is know as the “5 calamities” [1]

The return of the 12 spies that Moshe-Rabeinu sent to investigate Eretz Yisroel. 10 of them had bad news which caused the Bney Yisroel to despair and provoked Hashem to banish them to wander the desert until that generation had died off

The 1st Temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 587, beginning the Babylonian Exile

The 2nd Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, beginning the modern diaspora

The Romans crushed the Bar Kochba revolt and destroyed the city of Betar in 135 CE

The temple and surrounding areas were plowed over by the Romans, also in 135 CE

In many Jewish communities, תשעה באב is used to commemorate the Holocaust (Seasons of Our Joy, Aurthor Waskow 1990).

 In fact, in the community I grew up in, this holiday was often treated as a second Holocaust memorial day--which makes sense in one way and doesn’t in another. It is a catastrophe that feels realer to most modern Jews, a gateway to commemorating this day of destruction. 

Waskow introduced me to the fact that many object to commemorating the Holocaust on this day because the traditional Jewish interpretation of this day is that for our sins the Temple was destroyed--I can certainly see why there are those that object to this practice!

The main observations on תשעה באב are [1]

Not bathing

Fasting

Not wearing creams or oils/cosmetics in general

Not wearing leather shoes

Avoiding sexual relations

Not greeting people [2]

Some congregations use Tisha b’Av as a time to commemorate other atrocities, such as the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (which were on August 6 and 9, 1945 on the gentile calendar and sometimes overlap with תשעה באב)

In 1981, when תשעה באב fell on Nagasaki Day, a group of Jews undertook traditional ceremonies near the White House and Soviet Embassy as a statement on world destruction (Waskow, 1990)

[shakingmyheadproductions-blog]

Historically, the darkest day on the Hebrew calendar is 9/11 - the ninth day of the eleventh month, the ninth of Av (Tisha B'Av).

On the ninth of Av, five national calamities occurred:

During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 12 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE)

The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. 100,000 Jews were slaughtered and millions more exiled. (586 BCE)

The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, led by Titus. Some two million Jews died, and another one million were exiled. (70 CE)

The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The city of Betar -- the Jews' last stand against the Romans -- was captured and liquidated. Over 100,000 Jews were slaughtered. (135 BCE)

The Temple area and its surroundings were plowed under by the Roman general Turnus Rufus. Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city -- renamed Aelia Capitolina -- and access was forbidden to Jews.

Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history occurred on the Ninth of Av, including:

Pope Urban II declared the First Crusade. Tens of thousands of Jews were killed, and many Jewish communities obliterated.

The Spanish Inquisition culminated with the expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'Av in 1492.

World War One broke out on Tisha B'Av in 1914 when Russia declared war on Germany. German resentment from the war set the stage for the Holocaust.

On Tisha B'Av, deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto.

Matthew 24:15 King James Version (KJV) 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Isaiah 29:15 King James Version (KJV) 15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

John 2:19 King James Version (KJV) 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

[eretzyisrael]

Tisha B'Av - The Ninth of Av

What Happened on the Ninth of Av?

On Tisha B'Av, five national calamities occurred:

During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 10 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE)

The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. 100,000 Jews were slaughtered and millions more exiled. (586 BCE)

The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, led by Titus. Some two million Jews died, and another one million were exiled. (70 CE)

The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The city of Betar – the Jews' last stand against the Romans – was captured and liquidated. Over 100,000 Jews were slaughtered. (135 CE)

The Temple area and its surroundings were plowed under by the Roman general Turnus Rufus. Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city – renamed Aelia Capitolina – and access was forbidden to Jews.

Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history occurred on the Ninth of Av, including:

The Spanish Inquisition culminated with the expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'Av in 1492.

World War One broke out on the eve of Tisha B'Av in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia. German resentment from the war set the stage for the Holocaust.

On the eve of Tisha B'Av 1942, the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka.

Aspects of Mourning: The Afternoon Before Tisha B'Av

During the afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av, it is customary to eat a full meal in preparation for the fast.

At the end of the afternoon, we eat the Seudah Hamaf-seket – a meal consisting only of bread, water, and a hard-boiled egg.

The egg has two symbols: The round shape reminds us of a sign of the cycle of life. Also, the egg is the only food which gets harder the more it is cooked – a symbol of the Jewish people's ability to withstand persecution.

Food eaten at the Seudah Hamaf-seket is dipped in ashes, symbolic of mourning. The meal should preferably be eaten alone, while seated on the ground in mourner's fashion.

When the afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av occurs on Shabbat, there is no Seudah Hamaf-seket with eggs and ashes. Rather, the regular Shabbat "third meal" is eaten, albeit without guests and fanfare.

Restrictions on Tisha B'Av

Upon sundown, the laws of Tisha B'Av commence – consisting of the following expressions of mourning:

1. No eating or drinking until nightfall the following evening.

Pregnant and nursing women are also required to fast. If one suspects it could be harmful to the baby or mother, a rabbi should be consulted.

A woman within 30 days after birth need not fast.

Others who are old, weak, or ill should consult with a rabbi. (MB 554:11)

Medicine may be taken on Tisha B'Av, preferably without water.

In case of great discomfort, the mouth may be rinsed with water. Great care should be taken not to swallow anything. (MB 567:11)

2. Other prohibitions include:

Any bathing or washing, except for removing specific dirt – e.g. gook in the eyes (OC 554:9, 11). (Upon rising in the morning, before prayers, or after using the bathroom, one washes only the fingers. See OC 554:10, OC 613:3, MB 554:26)

Anointing oneself for pleasure. (Deodorant is permitted.)

Having marital relations.

Wearing leather shoes. (Leather belts may be worn.)(see: Laws of Shoes and Chairs)

Learning Torah, since this is a joyful activity. It is permitted to learn texts relevant to Tisha B'Av and mourning – e.g. the Book of Lamentations, Book of Job, parts of Tractate Moed Katan, Gittin 56-58, Sanhedrin 104, Yerushalmi end of Ta'anis, and the Laws of Mourning. In-depth study should be avoided. (MB 554:4)

3. Other mourning practices include:

Sitting no higher than a foot off the ground. After midday, one may sit on a chair. (OC 559:3)(see: Laws of Shoes and Chairs)

Not engaging in business or other distracting labors, unless it will result in a substantial loss. (OC 554:23)

Refraining from greeting others or offering gifts. (OC 554:20)

Avoiding idle chatter or leisure activities.

4. Following Tisha B'Av, all normal activities may be resumed, except for the following which are delayed until midday of the 10th of Av, because the burning of the Temple continued through the 10th of Av:

Haircuts and washing clothes. (When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, these are permitted immediately following Tisha B'Av, in honor of the coming Shabbat.)

Bathing. (When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, bathing is permitted on Friday morning.)

Eating meat and wine.

Music and swimming.

Prayer on Tisha B'Av

Lights in the synagogue are dimmed, candles are lit, and the curtain is removed from the Ark. The cantor leads the prayers in a low, mournful voice. This reminds us of the Divine Presence which departed from the Holy Temple.

The Book of Eicha (Lamentations), Jeremiah's poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, is read both at night and during the day.

Following both the night and day service, special "Kinot" (elegies) are recited.

In the morning, the Torah portion of Deuteronomy 4:25-40 is read, containing the prophecy regarding Israel's future iniquity and exile. This is followed by the Haftorah from Jeremiah (8:13, 9:1-23) describing the desolation of Zion.

In the afternoon, Exodus 32:11-14 is read. This is followed by the Haftorah from Isaiah 55-56.

Since Tallis and Tefillin represent glory and decoration, they are not worn at Shacharit. Rather, they are worn at Mincha, as certain mourning restrictions are lifted.

Birkat Kohanim is said only at Mincha, not at Shacharit.

Prayers for comforting Zion and "Aneinu" are inserted into the Amidah prayer at Mincha.

Shortly after the fast is broken, it is customary to say Kiddush Lavana.

When Tisha B'Av Falls on Shabbat

For a full treatment of this topic, see: When Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbat or Sunday.Here is a brief overview of the special conditions that apply:

The fast is pushed off until Saturday night/Sunday.

All other prohibitions of Tisha B'Av (washing, learning Torah, leather shoes, etc.) are permitted on Shabbat itself, except for marital relations. (Of course, regular Shabbat restrictions apply, such as anointing with cream and showering.)

Seudah Shlishit has none of the restrictions of Seudah Hamaf-seket, and may include meat and wine. However, the mood should be somber, should not include invited guests, and eating must stop before sundown.

Ma'ariv on Saturday night is delayed, so that everyone can say "Boruch Hamavdil bein kodesh li'chol," then remove their leather shoes and come to synagogue.

Havdallah on Saturday night is recited only over a candle, without wine or spices. On Sunday night, Havdallah is then said over wine.

Regarding the various prohibitions, some are lifted immediately upon completion of the fast (e.g. bathing, laundry and haircuts), while others remain prohibited until the following morning (meat, wine and music).

with thanks to Rabbi Moshe Lazerus