Following a meaningful and unique Tisha b’Av commemoration, Rachelli Geffner shares with us the most impactful parts of her fast day –
Yesterday was Tisha B’av and it was one of the most meaningful fasts I have ever had. For Eicha we went to the Herodion which is the last place that the Jews were able to see the Beit Hamikdash burning. This experience put into perspective how much of a tragedy the destruction really was and it made me understand the pain that the Jews endured at that time. During the day, there was an optional tour of the Kotel tunnels, which has been one of the highlights of my summer (so far!). The tunnels showed how beautifully the Kotel was designed and how the Kotel was changed by the different nations who had control of it over the years. One of the most inspiring parts of the tour was that we were able to daven directly across from the believed position of the Kodesh HaKodashim. I am thankful for the experience I was able to have, and I can’t wait for the rest of the summer.