Tisha B'Av

It may seem strange to begin a site about joy with the most depressing and difficult day on the Jewish calendar, yet it is the most logical place to start!

In order to reach our highest heights, we must be aware of our lowest lows.  Judaism is lived in community.  It is a not a faith that wants us to "bowl alone."  Remembering who we are in our darkest moments helps us build the community.  Being with people in their worst builds the bonds that sustain us in times of joy.

After a day of fasting, prayer, and reading by candlelight, the following Shabbat is Parshat Nachamu.  There we SING words of consolation.  There we hear of the Shema and of the Aseret Hadibrot, the Ten Commandments.  There we learn of the power of love and connection.  There we become a people.  

Once we receive Torah; once we know we are loved; once we can live meaningful lives together--joy will follow.  

This site will be about finding more joy and less oy--but today, we start with a little bit of both!