Are there any changes in davening or daily practice on the 20th of Av?
The Gemara lists the date as among those which marked the donation of wood to the Temple by particular families. The 20th seems to have evolved into a slightly more significant date because of the nature of this particular donation.
There were nine days in the year when wood was donated to the Beis HaMikdash, yet the donation of the 20th of Av showed a greater measure of ahavas Yisrael and Jewish unity than the other days. The reason for this: The Gemara relates that after the 15th of Av, the rays of the summer sun are weaker and no new trees were felled to be used for the altar as they would not be dry enough. (Taanis 31a)
According to this, the family which donated wood on the 20th of Av had to take the wood from their existing stock of fire-wood — they gave away their own wood for they could not hew any new wood for the altar. They donated their wood so that other Jews, poor Jews, even past sinners (Heaven forefend) would be able to offer their sacrifices on the altar. Furthermore, it was done in a joyous manner, since they set the day as a holiday. How great was their ahavas Yisrael!
If there is some important object lesson here and the day was one of (at least family/local) celebration, is there any change in davening or in practice? To a lesser degree, is there anyone who can trace himself to this family who then has a tradition of a particular celebration or such in commemoration?
No comments:
Post a Comment