Jerusalem: Twice Destroyed and Twice Rebuilt
Sydney A. Perry, CEO Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven
Our sages have long agonized over the reasons for the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. During this period leading up to the fast day of Tisha b'Av, it is instructive to learn some of the texts from the Gemara (the component of the Talmud comprising rabbinical analysis of and commentary on the Mishnah or Oral Tradition) which explain the behaviors that led to the destructions but more importantly provide the inspiration for and achievements of a resilient Jewish people.
Sydney A. Perry, the CEO of the Jewish Federation, spent more than 20 years as the Director of the Department of Jewish Education. She believes that you don't have to be a Talmud scholar to delve into rabbinic texts and dialogue with the rabbis. The important lessons we can glean for how to live our lives are everyone's rich inheritance.
