Day of Fast

Men sitting on the floor,
reading book of Lamentations
(photo credit: Eli Varenberg)

Today is Tisha B'Av. I was surprised to find my jewish friend online. I thought no work was allowed, and no entertainment. He informed me that fasting was compulsory ... but other stuff are ok as long as it's not for entertainment. So that was news for me. He's fasting but he's online ... so we chatted about Tisha B'Av and its meaning and traditions. It was a nice meaningful chat. Meantime jews continue to sit on the floor, reading the Book of Lamentations and listening to rabbis preach about the destruction of the Temples.

But for me, it was a slow morning which I rather enjoyed. Most shops are closed today so I couldn't go to the supermarket. Other than chat with my jewish friend, I cleaned up my room, did some gardening and cleaned the terrace with Sr. Ambrosta. The I played with Chilli and Buddy for some time before they decided to go to sleep. Then I chatted with my former student who is now a deacon in Puerto Rico ... he needed help for his sermon.

Monstrances made in India

Then I searched through the Internet for monstrances made in India. They're a lot cheaper there ... one third of the price sold in Europe. 2 religious convents asked me to acquire for them, and luckily at this moment I have students back in India who can buy them and bring them back.

The Nation-State declaration hasn't died down and today I read a statement from a jewish community rejecting this new law, that as a democracy all citizens should be respected regardless of religion or race.   https://www.schusterman.org/blogs/team-schusterman/statement-on-recognizing-the-dignity-of-all-israels-citizens

There's been a large protest in Tel Aviv today over the equal rights of citizens as well. And strangely there has been very little or muted reaction from the Israeli arabs. I wonder why.

One amazing breaking news just in .... BBC is reporting that Israel had evacuated several hundred White Helmets to safety in Jordan. The White Helmets are a loose gathering of humanitarian workers in Syria helping wounded in the midst of war. The Syrian govt. accuses them of collaborating with the rebels and the White Helmets now fear they will be persecuted so they are fleeing Syria. Foreign powers have requested Israel to help. Well the heroism of the White Helmets are undeniable. And Israel had done the right thing.  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-44915099?SThisFB