Tuesday, July 24, 2007

THE NINTH OF AV (Tisha B'Av) began yesterday evening at sundown. An easy fast to all those observing it.

In connection with this holiday, the Jerusalem Post has an article on Julian the Apostate's abortive effort to build the third Temple:
Tisha Be'Av: The Third Temple that wasn't
By ALEXANDER ZVIELLI

On this day, as we mourn the destruction of both the First and Second Temples, it seems fitting to recall a little-known story of how a Roman emperor stood ready to rebuild the third temple. He acted not out of love for the Jewish people, but because he was a pagan who - despite its ascendency - despised Christianity.

[...]