Shalom! We continue with our summer and as Jews we have concluded a solemn historical period. Beginning on the "17th of Tammuz" and culminating on the 9th of Av, we experienced the "three weeks" commemorating the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem.

What does it mean for us today, to observe a time of destruction and loss which occurred so long ago? The answer lies in a recent terrorist attack.

As Americans we are challenged to find rituals to remember the tragic loss of lives on "9/11." Perhaps we can learn how to mourn and how to move on by recognizing the similarities between the ancient and contemporary events. In both horrific events, an attempt was made to destroy the "strength" of a people.

The two ancient Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed because they symbolized the unique Jewish relationship with God, which was thought to be the source of Jewish strength.

Attacking the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 was an attempt by the enemies of the United States to attack the symbolic source of our economic might, which is the source of American strength.

Yet both enemies miscalculated. Why? According to Douglas Aronin, a writer for Jewish Federation, the enemies confused the symbol with the underlying reality.

The events of 9/11 certainly hurt our economy, but our true power was not in the building, but was in the determination and resourcefulness of the American people.

Similarly, the destruction 2,000 years ago of the Jerusalem Temple was a devastating blow to the Jewish spirit, but our people were resilient and survived. Why? The answer is because our true power derives not from the building, but from the determination and spiritual resourcefulness of our people and the ability to find strength, purpose and meaning in our history and our traditions.

In the response to suffering we affirm the sanctity of life! We assert the belief that we are all created in God's image, and recognize this as a core value, both for America and for Judaism.

The mystical understanding of the 9th of Av is that this will be the day in the future when the Messiah is born. The belief is that "from the greatest negativity can be found the greatest positive light and spiritual change." Therefore, in reaction to tragedy, instead of focusing on the destruction of the Temples and the World Trade Center, we create visions for hope, renewal and rebirth.

Beginning in August, we count seven weeks until Rosh Hashanah, and the Haftarot for Shabbat reflect the themes of forgiveness, consolation, Teshuvah and peace.

May we all participate in the process of rebirth and join together on Shabbat, Sept 5, 2009, as we resume our Lev Eisha services and prepare emotionally for the High Holidays.

L'Hitra'ot! See you soon!
With Blessing, Rabbi August

Milestones A special Mazal Tov to Pam and Bob Neshkes on the occasion of their 30th wedding anniversary, August 5th. Heartfelt condolences to Sherrill Kushner on the sudden passing of her husband, Ed Klein. Congratulations to Maddie Ziff (daughter of Rose and Ron). Maddie just graduated as valedictorian from Culver High, and is on her way to Brandeis University this fall! If you have a milestone to share please send it to: editor@leveisha.org. Our newsletter gets printed about a week before each service. Please send the info ASAP.