The Jewish people have experienced great brokenness at numerous times in history. Every year, on the 9th (literally "tisha") of the Hebrew month of Av, ("Tisha b'Av") we make space to open our hearts to past and current brokenness by remembering the destruction of the ancient Temples in Jerusalem and the chanting of Lamentations/ Eicha, which recalls the horrors and heartbreak of that time.
Our human nature encourages us to numb out, distract ourselves, and hide from the helplessness that accompanies brokenness.
In order to not only survive, but thrive, Judaism supports us in the counter-cultural act of doing exactly the opposite. This doesn't mean wallowing in helplessness, but rather making space to see and feel more fully, and then to step into structures that support moving through and ultimately integrating the brokenness into our wholeness.
We are not meant to isolate and ignore the pain, heartbreak, and suffering that regularly flood our inboxes, and text and soul.
This Sunday, at 10 am, we invite you to gather with other members from Oseh Shalom, and our neighboring Reconstructionist congregations of Kol HaLev, CJC, and Mishkan Torah at Mishkan Torah in Greenbelt for a specially crafted Tisha b'Av experience.
This experience will include:
hearing the chanting of Eicha - some in Hebrew, some in English
breaking out of isolation by gathering in community- not only with those from your own shul, but with like-hearted Reconstructionists
materials and guidance to creatively integrate our brokenness into wholeness through the use of art materials.
a final "product" that each congregation can bring back, reminding us of our greater wholeness and connections.
Please register here
https://columbiajewishcongregation.shulcloud.com/form/TishaBav2025 by July 31.
The in person experience will be the fullest, but you can also access the experience on zoom at this link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81620316191?pwd=8eoAh99GCWSBuIbq2wtJPIMOyrPnGr.1
In partnership toward greater wholeness at this challenging and overwhelming time,
Also check out other Arts events in Greenbelt.
