Tisha B'Av: The Root of Destruction

"I can't" is the on going problem, which began from the beging of time. G-d said. Do repentance. The 1 st. man said, I can't. Averham said, How Will I Know? Moses said, I can't speak.

thank you... this nearly made me cry...as i finally understand

The fear of failure can be stronger than the exhilaration of success. Not to try equals not to fail. Stage fright keeps many a budding singer, actor off the stage. Fear of peer ridicule keeps students quite. Parental critique is less if one never tries.

Charlie--I always click on your stuff first. Always rewarded! Keep em coming!

I am in a wheelchair. I won't allow myself to be a grasshopper. Your words inspire me to believe i can do so much and not to feel defeat. thank you.

Wow!!! What a powerful and amazing video of simply not believing in ourselves... I never thought about it before, but were sometimes our own worst enemies in thinking negatively about our abilities... This teaches us if Hashem believes in us we should WANT to show him and ourselves we can do it... I know I will make an effort to believe in my ability to do the things I'm supposed to...

excellent question, fantastic answer!

chazak!!!

This clip has just made me relise how important it is to act upon changing the world in my local area in the hope of the eternal redemption that we all hope fore. I always wondered what that passage about the spies was all about, and I can see that this attitude is still prevelent today in our generation. If we are to make a differance in this world in our life time, I and you need to act without hessitation if you have been given a task to do by HaShem. But of cause we have been given a task to do havent we? That is a part of being in the faith of Israel, to be a light to the world, etc. Well done with this clip.

this was one of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen.it gives me hope. it gives me renewed zeal.I will watch this video again and again. thank you

So hits the mark. We can't....Are we truly worshipping another/ourselves when we say we can't when G-d says with Him all things are possible? When He says go and we say we can't - is that following/worshipping another and not our G-d? Thanks so much for such a strong reminder. G-d is saying trust Me and go! Let us not put our trust in another or ourselves who convinces us 'I can't'.

They waited 40 yrs to get to the promise land, and then to hear a report like that, that is what brought them to tears, the disappointment their dream wasn't going to come to past, as they thought and it came to pass, they didn't for most of them. Today, we hope and pray for the building of the 3rd Temple, the house to bear Hashem, where his name will dwell. Or for those who hope to go to Israel in their lifetime. If we were told we will not see it in our lifetime, it brings us tears of sadness; hope that does not come to pass makes our hearts sick. Better to hope and be glad and live in joy from that hope so we do not displease or show unbelief in the power of Hashem. Charlie, a much needed reminder you gave us. The three weeks can be such a time of hope for the future, when the Temple will be rebuilt. Then after the three weeks, doubts can cross the mind, "will we see it in our lifetime?" Thanks Charlie for telling us to keep believing!

This was so moving, so uplifting, I really liked it. I will watch it again and again, especially if I am having an "I can't" kind of day. Thank you!

Where was G-d? I will never forget the response given to me by a member of my Synagogue in response to the infamous question "Where was G-d at Auschwitz?" His reply was simple and yet so powerful: "G-d was up in the heavens telling the world '"Do not kill. Do not steal. Love your neighbour as yourself"'

Finally someone else said this besides me. Bravo and thank you!

I am in my first year of 'frum immersion' life, so it's my first experience at shul for Tisha B'av; the fast was a none issue it was a meaningful experience Next year I hope to remember to bring my high density doughnut cushion to sit on the floor at shul The guest rabbi explained the loss of the MIshkan as the loss of a mother at her child's birth who in turn survives chilbirth, and her yarzheit as the parallel to Tisha B'av, and unfortunately most jews don't even know about Tisha b'av Lots of tears all evening long

Eliyahu Rosen does some og the greatest videos. I've become a BIG fan.

That was great. kol kakavod

This was nice but missed the point. We are not at a business seminar getting inspired to do a takeover. We should be sitting on the floor crying that our sins caused the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. It's not about ME, and "yes I can attitude" It's about what we did wrong and begging Hashem to forgive us and giving us another chance.

Your words were an opening eye for to start believing that I can and the art that I create will be known to the world. Your powerful words will be a guide line to my life. Thanks Cheli p.s DARCHEI ELOYIM NISTAROT

The picture of the father holding his baby girl under the sights of the nazi guard, may their name be utterly destroyed, rends my heart each time i see it. it simply encapsulates everything we mourn on this day. it begs the question, where's the mother? what's the girl saying? what's the father answering? how do they react to the sea of corpses around them? where's the guard's mother? where's God?

BSD When one lives in the Land, Eretz HaKodesh...already they are helping to fulfill the Goal of bring the Bais Hamigdash and Moshiac!! Nice clip, aval it mentioned only about what mostly about what "you can ...what you can achieve" !! With all due respect..these are very troubled times...and there are so many who are not even the basics ...infants, children and their parents....do an act of kindness..and next time you are asked...help by giving Tzdacka to Eretz Haodesh!! You might just find, that when you help someone else, even if you have less than usual, Hashem will protect and help you!! But do it just for the sake of helping another Jew!! Tzfat email tikvacohen@yahoo.com for families in dire need! Be blessed with Shefa!

This short video has made me think for hours. Only last week did I meet a situation and say "I can't, I can't" and as you said, I failed every attempt. When I said to myself "I can", I improved. Thank you for this video.

A truly amazing and inspirational clip. I would love to turn it into a feature film. A rabbi at Aish once told me that it's not my faith in Hashem but my faith in myself that will bring me the success in life I seek. To have a true partnership with G-d you must have faith both in yourself in Him.

its right that we go back to 1200BCE to understand the root of Tisha b'Av. But unfortunately the perspective stated here, gets close to putting G-d in the center but misses. It misses the fact that we simply belong to G-d and to refuse to obey a direct instruction is the same rebellion we have..the world has...walked in from the Fall. When the creator of the universe gives a direction to His creation, consideration of the results should not even be a secondary matter. Job's words set the mark of righteousness for us. "If He slay me yet will I serve Him." The fact that G-d is able to cause anyone to succeed at anything He calls for is a given...or should be. But if we are focused first on our own lives, what's in it for us, what will it cost us etc. we have begun to build on a faulty foundation. The question is simple though the answer is subtle. Is the life we have ours or G-d's? Do we live unto Him or to ourselves? G-d does not exist to help us. We live to bless Him.

G-d does not exist to help us. We live to bless Him. These are beautiful words.

A very nicely done clip. Truly inspirational. Since I listened to it on Tisha B'Av (and generally during the three weeks), I think you should take out the music.

I feel that the people who are not afraid of settling Israel and especcially the settlements are actually rebuilding the temple according to the logic of this film. And the people who are afraid and giving away the land that g-d gave us is only keeping us in exile. May the 3rd temple be rebuilt quickly in our time!

beautiful mssg-never heard it from this perspective before...

I wasn't expecting it, but this actually made me cry.

I completely agree with "Anonymous 73"

Thank you, this was a wonderful explanation to bringing relevance and a connection to tisha b'av today. Aish almost never fails...thank you agian

I WEPT THROUGH THE ENTIRE CLIP

"yes we can" is not message of tisha beav, tisha beav is we gotta be sad about loss of the beis hamikdash.

Good Job Charlie, I always look forward to your Videos!

excellent video - I just posted it to my fb wall and so should you guys... or e mail it to your friends... I figured many ppl on tisha bav will be bored and on the computer...people should have a few minutes to watch a movie about the day they are fasting or even if they are not fasting the day which is a "big deal" in judaism...

Thank you for this beautiful video. I was wondering how I would ever connect to Tisha B'av and getting down on myself for not being where I should be. I feel far from God and from myself. I just watched this film at the start of Tisha B'av and it so spoke to my soul. THIS IS MY STRUGGLE!! I so identify with this story of the spies and often feel like I cant, not good enough, etc. In fact my hebrew birthday is 29 Sivan, which is the day the spies were sent. I always wondered how this related to my life and what the connection is. I have found that my biggest struggle in life is believing in myself. Oh I believe in God, but have a hard time believing that He believes in me. This video gave me a whole new meaning on Tisha B'av and how it actually relates to me personally. I hope that this message will stay with me and help me to build my self-esteem, my life and my future. I dont want to know of pain, confusion, despair and destruction. May this message give hope to all people out there that WE ARE NOT GRASSHOPPERS AND IF GOD SO INTENDED, HE WOULD OF MADE US SMALL AND GREEN!!!

I think that the commentary on Tisha B'Av are very relevant and true--very similar to the old saying "Attitude determines Altitude." I believe a faithful attitude is key. False tears are, for me, a bit like bearing false witness. This lesson in truth and faith is applicable to all cultures and societies--as is the lessons we learn from Jewish history. Thank you for the thoughtful lesson. Don

the backrounds were nice

Amazing and very insperational.

Thank you so much!

I am a fan of motivational speakers and new age self improvement and enjoyed the message of Mr Harary, like most of the other commentators. But my question is whether this interpetation of tisha bav is indicative of judaic sources or history. Is there any rabbinic source for this interpetation? From my limited understanding tisha bav, it is not about me, and becming empowered, but rather about focussed mourning and sadness, which is not as catchy but at least true to the source.

I wanted to thank all Aish and Aishlatino group for the effort you make everyday so jews fro all around the world have the paleasure to read and listen to this amazing articles. Tzom Kal to all. Best wishes from Chile.

A very very great lesson to take on acccount. Thank you

The distruction of Gush Katif (the 25 beautiful Jewish communities of Gaza) occured on Tisha Be'Av 2005. The difference is that all previous Tisha Be'Av calamities were caused by others. The Gush Katif calamity was caused by our own people, the Government of Israel itself! Please add this event to your inspiring video if you can.

Great stuff! Negative thinking and talking is always destructive! You reap what you plant. "A man´s stomach shall be satisfied from the fuit of his mouth, and from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:20-21.

LOVED the message. AIsh is always very inspiring.

As much as I know the history, Bar-Kokhva was not afraid to rebel against the evil Roman Empire, and the intention of Hadrian Caesar to build a temple for Jupiter on the holy mountain. But the rebellion ended with the fall of Beitar and a complete destruction. I think that to this day the Jewish People has not fully recovered from the trauma caused by the fall of this rebellion, and is still afraid to take actions against its enemies...

Very interesting, new approach to me. Shifting what seem to be a very old tradition into modern perspective.

This is a very inspiring Message.

Beautifull

It was NOT self-confidence that was lacking when the spies gave a bad report but faith in G-d to enable them to take the land. God doesn't want us to look at what circumstances looks like but to put our confidence in Him just as Joshua and Caleb did.

Thank you, Charlie, for answering one of my questions as I approach Tisha B'Av this year. And, wow! -- what a way to shift the viewpoint and responsibility. Amazing insight from an amazing teacher.

Thank you so much for this inspiring message. There are many times when we feel small and powerless, overwhelmed by what look to us -- from our limited perspectives -- as impossible challenges. We think we are being rational, "realistic," and yet we are seeing things as if we were little green grasshoppers... I think of the amazing and wondrous breakthroughs and triumphs our people have experienced throughout all these ages... and I have to think (on a much smaller scale) of the amazing blessings and breakthroughs that have occurred and continue to occur in my life, sometimes unexpectedly and sometimes after tremendous effort on my part, (with instances of fear when I experience a "dark night of the soul.") It is not easy to have faith and courage when surrounded by oppression and strife fueled by all manner of misguided people... But we must abandon the sense that we cannot build a better world, that we cannot triumph. We create, and we create together with G-d; and perhaps our biggest challenge is to engage our own creative life force, that which makes us who we are as G-d's people. We must not trust our limited perspectives and yield to timidity. G-d requres not only our trust and our faith in Torah, but our courrage and effort.

Charles Harary is one of the gratest man working with aish hatora don´t le him leave !!!! His message is so powerfull and clear that touches hearts and marks people lives in a way they will be no longer the same. Thanks a lot for giving us the oportunity to hear this message !

I loved this video. Thank you!!!

Bravo! Excellent video. Phenomenal message beautifully and powerfully delivered.

very inspiring! I would like to point out to a couple of the commentators who had trouble with the message that i think you misunderstood a key point - we are not suffering today because of the lack of self confidence of the generation of the midbar and their 'I can't' attitude - G-d is not vindictive - we continue to suffer because we continue to have that same attitude - they introduced that concept to us and we have not corrected it yet - when we do and we actualize our potential then surely G-d will stop the suffering and bring Moshiach because we won't need any more reminders - think of a parent who needs to continue to discipline their child until a behavior is corrected only a parent who truly loves his child will put that effort in even if it looks like (to the child) that he is being unfair or even mean - the discipline is only for the child's benefit

I agree : Go home Jews, go home Charlie!

I'm leaving the worst trials of my life and this video came just in time to rethink my attitude before the Almighty. May the Holy One receive my prayers for a believing heart despite anything bad around me, because I do not want to provoke His anger with umbelief. Our G-d is worthy of unconditional trust, unconditional surrender and unconditional rest of our soul and mind. Thank you so very much for bringing light into this subject. A job well done!

Great message and I will carry it forward. .Just one little thing..When the Spies say we appeared as Grass Hoppers..the word is Va'Nehee with a Patach not a Sheva

Awesome message! Thank you for this reminder.

Inspirational, with humour and expressive graphics. Wish everyone could see it and get the message. Wish we could all internalise the message

Obviously, Hashem has to ALLOW us to build the Temple and restore the relationship of wholeness that we once we had. At the same time; We cannot have the Temple, if we don't build the Temple. And we cannot build the Temple if we're living in our Exile homes and mini Temples in the Five Towns and Los Angeles - Millions of miles away from our Biblical destiny and Homeland that was promised to us by Hashem as the authentic Jewush experience of life. What you say about being a better spouse is beautiful but be a better spouse in Israel or be a better father, but in Israel. We need our family home, so we be together and certainly to rebuild together. So come home Jews, come home Charlie!

Our faith is not in ourselves it is to be in God. Psalm 144:1 Notice David say;s the Lord is my strength. As Gods people were to take the promised land. they listen to others and to themselves. And this cost them there land. If they would have been obediante with their faith in God. Things would have been greatly different. I enjoyed the the video. And realize I need to trust God in All things more then I have in the past.

Thankyou! Very nice video. My we always remember that we can and have faith in ourselves, in others and in G-d!

While the message of self destruction is a valueable one. The sin of the 10 spies was speaking out against Hashem. Saying that It is not a good land and implying that even with hashem the jewish people will not succeed. We must always relie on Hashem, without Hashem we can not accomplish anything. With Hashem we can accomplish anything.

excelent way of explaining tisha beav may this be the last time we cry tears of nothing

I was so down and discouraged in spirit when I checked my email. I tearfully watched this video and realized once again how much God loves me. He spoke to me in this video with His love.

I loved it, amaizing, Aesome, this is an other way to understand the point 9 of Av, And is so thrue , maybe thet's why is so close to Rosh Hashanah, 9 of Av we cry for the things we couln't done because we thout we can't, but Rosh Hashana is arround the corner so we could have another oportunity, Thankyou!

Thank you so much for your inspiration and encouragement! I hope this message gets seen by ALL Jews!

Great video presentation. Thank you very much.

Charley Harary hits another one out of the park! Thanks for the positive, inspiring message.

This theme is how we limit ourselves when we say we cannot do things, even with G'd's help. The video is well-conceived and inspirational, though other interpretations are possible.

This is very profound and needs to be shared with all of our friends. The root cause is definitely clear.

A very good video as it shows what we are on the inside as we always think that we are weak,but when God is with us how can this be so? We are strong so lets go on.

Thank you for posting this video. It really means everything to me and should mean everything to everyone. THANK YOU!

So when my mother said "stop your crying or I'll give you something to cry about" she got the idea of the meaning of Tisha B'Av? Will the punishment ever stop?

This was simply wonderful. I've watched it several times, and each time it gives me something more to think about. Thank you.

Charlie, I love your messages, but this one you missed the point. It isn't only the issue of self deprecation, but the people's lack of belief that Hashem's plan was do-able. They claimed that the Torah was fine for the "Kollel" lifestyle in the wilderness, learning Torah and eating Manna. But once they had to conquer the land and build a State...whew, hold on. They said "KI Chazak hoo mimenhu": The inhabitants are stronger than Hashem himself. That is a strange statement coming from the same people who witnessed the 10 plagues, splitting of the sea, ect. Hashem isn't STRONG enough?! They claimed that there is no way to establish a Torah way of life in the land of Israel. It's too unworkable, wars, special mitzvoth like Shimta, Yovel. Too complicated. God's plan won't work. Until this day we are cry about the Jewish people's refusal to accept God's plan and make it work, in Eretz Yisrael. How about us less crying and more making Aliya?

It s a good film

Well said, Eliyahu Rosen! We need to have faith in Hashem and then step forth to do What He wants us to do in this world today. Be a light unto the nations! That will be the way to usher in the age of Maschiach.

I have been attempting find out more about Tisha B'Av and that was a powerful and meaningful explanation. Thank you.

Thanks. I enjoyed watching your video.

liked the way you explained it and the message !!! something i was telling others for years now , didnt know anyone felt like me , until now

This was very powerful, but one thought comes to mind if all things are possible with G-d then it is HE that we need to rely on to do all things and perhaps if we make Teshuvah and apologize to G-d for the fear of our ancestors and cry out to HaShem for forgiveness HE will hear our cry and break the curse of yearly tears and turn our mourning into dancing? If in fact it is HE who will protect us through the coming days as found in Ezekiel 36-38 we need to be crying out to HIM now for HIS hand upon us.

It was actually thier disobedience and faithlessness that caused God to let them lose. He even told them not to go up against the inhabitants of the land. He told them that their children would take the land after their death. God Gave the children of Israel another chance, not to find it in themselves but to rely on him. Only with God's strength can we defeat the enemies of our God. It is not within us. It is within God. God only demands our faith and obedience to do what he wants. Then no one can stand against us because we stand with our father God.

Insight from Ha Shem. Profound and life altering! Thank you!

When will we REALLY learn our lessons and merit our final redemption and CELEBRATE in Tisha BaAv?!?!?

i thought Tisha B'av had to do wi the the loss of the temple but now I learned it is about the loss of faith. That is an important reminder for all of us to trust in our God given ability to own up to challenge. Step up to the plate. Be active and believe and seize the moment Thanks for an inspiring video

Is WONDERFULL!!! It's a beautifull gift to the soul. Shalom Yisrael!!!

A timely message! May we take it to heart and do the right thing. The background video and presentation are both excellent. Thank you!

Thanks for the video. It is very moving and good lesson for all people. Like I told an associate of mine once, "Don't tell me what you can't do but tell me what you can do."

I wish that that Message will "ring the bell" if not for all , at least for the "critical mass" of the Jews!

Thank you, that was an amazing video!

This important message resonantes with deep meaning---that each Jewish person's life is a microcosm of what is being experienced in Israel today. If we believe in Hashem, truly trust in our Father and observe the Torah, then we will neither run nor will we be aggressors but rather we will unify and be strong in our personal lives. The unification of Jews will provide strength so that we may see the redemption in our days.

Now, the determinism which you advocate, that God would make the bnei Israel cry on that particular date could be very damaging for some people. The real question is, Why would God actually decide to punish millions in the times to come for the lack of confidence, 12 spies showed in the desert ? I mean according to your words, the first and second temple, the forced exile of spain ( which historically the signature of the decree was done on March or April 1st), also you added holocaust , which basically is like blaming God for the genocide of millions ,… all this because the spies lacked confidence? Your answer is basically that since you lacked confidence after all the great deeds you’ ve witnessed, then you will forever cry on this fateful date. At first hand it seems that God is full of ego and likes to get paid in tears and violence for whoever doesn’t have full confidence in His Supreme Being, just like a genocidal dictator. I would hope that its not the case, and that if God wanted to teach these men a lesson, there were other more “peaceful ways” to do it. We need to beware of these kind of exegesis interpretations, as they confound our dysfunction with God’s will. If there is free will, then God cannot intervene in our daily lives , its that simple , otherwise it’s like the dice are loaded, and if so, man’s responsibility would vanish. For those who blame the holocaust on the action of the non observant Jew, are by the same token washing away clean the deeds of Nazism , since anyway its all ordained by God . Now you will also need to acquit the German generals higher , since they were only part of a master plan orchestrated by the Supreme Being, you identified in your video. Distorting history to fit religious views is manipulating the commoners, whose thirst for knowledge has made them opened to accept anyone who speaks in the name of Torah. Jewish faith needs to escape from determinism .

Excellent video.............A wake up call for all people. Congratulations on your production. Many Blessings & Light, Joe

I count down the days till another one of your films is released. They are such poweful messages that have never failed to leave me introspecting and sometimes in tears. Thank you.

after all the misery in my life, untimelt deaths, illnesses, and loss of livelyhood, thank you for this wonderful piece, while we are not rich in monetary ways you have brought a brightness today.

Mr.Harary, you have the wisdom of a sage. Thank you for this amazing video. Your words have touched my heart and answered so many questions we have as Jews. This is one of the best and most powerful videos I've ever seen on aish.com or anywhere else.

Thank you for the inspiring message. I know it's in me to not 'seem like a grasshopper'. Its a great reminder

Just finished watching this great short film, thank you for showing me the mirror to look in. Like many others from the past and present I too hid behind the "I can't ". Thanks for the wake up call, I needed it. Please continue your great work.

Caleb and Joshua said that entry into the land was possible. They didn't mope and whine! Remember them!!

Dear Rbbies Even though I am not Jewish, I am Israel fanatic as I am an anti-Arab fanatic because they distroyed myn country, Iran/ So through your website, I am trying to learn more and more about jewish people and Israel. Thank you for the video, a very true and great story and I learned a lot. I have a Jewish friend' Michael and few days ago I told him about Tisha B'Av, surprisingly, he did not know about it. He is comming in tonight for dinner, I will show him the video. Thanks again. By the way, I am not a Muslim any more and have not been for fifty years. I became a Buddhist. behrouz kia

Very well produced video with a powerful message, great sound effects and visuals. Thank you for sharing this message with me and many others.

That blessed my soul and renewed my mind

This was well though out and is an excellent learning tool, as well as as, a reminder of what happened and what we need to do today. Thank you for this production.

GREAT INFO!!!!!.

I am an assistant in a kindergarten and first grade classroom in a small cheder. There are two words that we tell our students that are not allowed, " I can't!" Thank you for your powerful message. I daven that I can internalize your very powerful message and that through bitachon give the Almighty the proper Kavod by the way I live my life! May our proper kavanah this Tisha B'Av bring the final Geulah!

Thank you.

This adds a new perspective that I have never heard. Interesting. Does it not come down to trusting God: the One, who orchestrates, directs and empowers life (ours)? We are God’s children; created in God’s image. God knows and loves us. When we trust, are obedient, and do not fear; all is well. God takes care of all of the rest! As a parent desires the best for their child, God desires only the best for us. Yet yes, our response to Him is critical. SHALOM

I'll never forget what was said, so simple yet powerful. Let's all fight the negativity! Thank you for setting a reliable ground to Shabbat Chazon and Tisha B'Av and ever since... I hope to have the privilege to see many more deep concepts expressed simply. All best!

I think, I really got the message and meaning of Tisha B'Av

I believe this will help me to get over my fears and finish my dissertation. Thank you.

I am blown away by the depth of everything Jewish.Such meaning. Such faith. I love you guys. Thank you for all of your wonderful contributions to mankind. The world could learn much if only they would listen.

What a wonderful message and presented so well May we be Zocher to rebuild the Temple and turn the mourning into Simcha with the coming of Moshiac speedily in our days amen. Shabbat Shalom

This came at the perfect time since I was seeing myself as the grashopper. It was the slap in the face that I needed. This is powerful and put in a fashion that anyone and everyone can get the message. Again I say "powerful" and thank you.

Amazing, thank you so much

That is a good message but you left out the most important part. It is only through our God we shall do valiantly. Psalm 60:12, 108:13 Who will lead me into the strong city?

I think Aish missed the mark on is one. Maybe it's the histrionic presentation (like a business empowerment seminar) that turned me off or the statement "The first time that attitude was introduced to the world", but it doesn't ring Aish to me. In fact, to me the presentation presents Tisha B'Av in an idolatrous fashion which I don't think is the way it should be. Just my opinion. I could be wrong.

Another masterpeice from Mr. Harary!!!!! You brought Tisha B'Av into my own "daled amot"......thank you!!!! I went to many years of yeshiva....& post yeshiva & no one put it as concise as you just did!!! Thank you!

Wonderfully said.

This is one of the most powerful messages I've ever heard. I am beyond words...thank you for writing and producing something that I believe will bear fruit in my life. Thank you :-)