To set the tone for the fast of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, it seems appropriate to bring a song from the big fast we usually commemorate at camp together – Tisha B’Av. The words come from 2 different biblical texts: עַל־אֵ֣לֶּה ׀ אֲנִ֣י בוֹכִיָּ֗ה comes from Megillat Eichah (1:16) which we read on Tisha B’Av, and means “Because of this I am crying”, referencing the many causes and results of the tragedy of the destruction of the Temple. The second part of the song comes from the book of Yechezkel (37:3), in which the prophet Yechezkel sees dry bones and say הֲתִֽחְיֶ֣ינָה הָֽעֲצָמ֣וֹת הָאֵ֑לֶּה? He is asking in this line: Will these bones live again? The bones are a metaphor for the weak state of the Jewish people in exile from the destruction of the First Temple. However, it is important to note that the end of that chapter discusses the miraculous revival of the bones back to life done by God, alluding to a future redemption and return of the Jews to Israel. As much as this song sets the sad tone for the fast day, it hints at the possibility for hope for the future.
Summer 2020
