Even though we are now in the waning hours of Tisha B'Av, I'd like to share a few thoughts that I've learned from various places.
The sadness of the day is tempered by the fact that the Almighty cares for us. Our actions carry consequences simply because what we do matters to Him. Far from being a depressing date on the calendar--one that we should simply get through so we can listen to music, buy clothes, and get back to enjoying summer again--Tisha B'Av is a time of hope and renewal. No matter how low things seem to be, with a little effort and a healthy dose of optimism and faith we can make a better future. And we can undo at least one of the reasons for the destruction of the second Beit Hamikdosh--a little kindness and caring for each other will go a long way. On a personal note: My double cataract surgeries were very successful, Baruch Hashem, and the healing is almost complete. I am now returning to the happy business of reading, reviewing, and recommending books. Thank you for all the mazel tovs following our daughter Sarah's engagement. The wedding was beautiful. Basya Karp, Librarian Shulamith High School and Shulamith School For Girls --- Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) =========================================================== Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: hasaf...@osu.edu SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html History: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org