The 9th day of Av is a fast day throughout the world were devout Jews live in diaspora. In Israel it is a mandatory day of fasting and prayer for the nation. This particular day on the Jewish calendar is a sad day to reflect on the suffering the Jews have encountered throughout their history. On this day the first and second Temple were destroyed. The first by the Babylonians in 586 BEC and the second by Rome in 70 CE. Many other bad things happened on this day through time to the childrenof Israel. They were expelled from Spain on this day in 1492. Most of Columbus’s crew were young Jewish boys escapingthe wrath of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Hitler’s “Night of Broken Glass” was another thing started on this day, and there are many more of these occurrences you can research through the history of the Israelites.
Christians and Messianic Jews should keep Israel in prayer all the time, but on this day make it a special time to reflect on Israel and it’s people. Fast and pray for the nation to prepair the way for the coming of their King, The Lion of Judah, The Prince of Peace and that the Temple will be built so the Mount of G-d can be cleansed and Holy again.
The Book of Lamentations is traditionally the book read on this day in the Synagogues and in Jewish homes. So take a look at this book.
Dan’el Fraley
