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Tisha B'Av is the 9th day of the month of Av and is the most
negative day of the Kabbalistic year. Next to Yom Kippur, it
is the second most important fast day of the entire year. It
concludes the three-week period known as Bein Ha-m'tzarim (literally
"between the straits") which began on the 17th of Tammuz. This
day has been a day of calamity and chaos from the very beginning.
It was on this day that both the first and second Temples were
destroyed. Kabbalah teaches that though this is the most negative
day, it is also a day in which the greatest Light can be revealed.
In fact, it is this day upon which the Mashiach will be born.
We are able to connect to the energy of this day and transform
it to Light by doing the following:
FAST FROM FOOD & DRINK
People restrict from eating for the 24 hours from sunset to
sunset. The last meal before Tisha b’Av is usually
something somber like bread, water, a hard boiled egg, etc.
By not eating, we diminish our dependence on the physical
and increase our connection to the Light. If for medical
reasons you are not able to fast, then it is advised that
you minimize your intake of food and refrain from eating
your favorite foods or foods that bring you joy. Fasting
is restricting our ego nature.
SIT LOW
For the 24 hours, we can connect to the somber consciousness
of Tisha b’Av by sitting on the floor or in low chairs.
This reminds us that we are currently imprisoned in malchut,
this physical realm, and our own limited ego-consciousness
and it will take a transformation of ego for us to rise above
this imprisonment.
REFRAIN FROM EXCESS COMMUNICATION
Tisha B'Av is a time of solitude and therefore we should limit
communicating with others during this day. Needless to say,
we should also avoid sexual relations. This day is likened
to sitting Shivah, which is the mourning period after a parent
or sibling dies.
REFRAIN FROM BATHING & USE
OF PERFUMES OR OILS
Perfumes and oils delight the spirit and therefore we avoid
them on this day to not bring any cause for our souls to
rejoice. This holds true for bathing as well, though one
may wash their hands if they are dirty or after using the
bathroom. It is recommended that one shower or bathe before
sunset on the day before (today).
WEARING LEATHER SHOES
Just as the crown of the head connects us to the Upper Worlds,
so the feet connect us to this world of Malchut. Leather
is an insulator and wearing leather shoes prevents the energy
of Malchut from entering our body. On this day, we need to
connect to this energy.
HEAR THE M'GILAH EICHAH
The sound of the Hebrew letters, even if you do not understand
them… are recognized by your soul and are the specific “DNA
Sequence” of the energy/consciousness for this connection.
The Hebrew reading will help you achieve the transformation
of ego that is appropriate for Tisha b’Av. Throughout
the reading, our meditation should be on the actions and
consciousness you have continued that has lead to the destruction
of the temple and our own inability to contain the Light
of the Creator.
DO NOT SCAN/STUDY TORAH OR ZOHAR
"
The statutes of Elohim are upright, they rejoice the heart." (Psalm
19:9) For this reason, the scanning or studying of Torah and
Zohar is prohibited on this day. In order to properly connect
to the energy of Tisha B'Av, we must feel the pain and negativity
of this day. Only by doing so are we able to receive the positive
energy that is available.
We will offer a Tisha B'Av connection, which will include
the reading of the M'gilah Eichah via conference call on Saturday,
August 9, 2008 at 11:00 PM EDT.
Click Here to RSVP For This Event
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