Counteracting the meraglim III

The past two years, I referred to my pre-Tisha B’Av posts as “antidotes to the meraglim.” (See here and also here.) In that spirit, I present yet another amazing aspect of life in our beautiful Land:

Living in Israel means being surrounded by our nation’s history.

But not in a dry, dusty way. Israel isn’t a theme park or a museum. It isn’t Colonial Williamsburg.

Rather, here in Israel, Jewish history comes to life with every step we take.

And thus, most Israeli schoolchildren can tell you the Biblical, Talmudic, and Zionist history of their hometowns.

They know in which shevet’s nachalah the area was located and which ancient miracles took place at the spot.

They know what happened there during the time of the Mishnah and the Gemara.

They know the site’s significance to the pre-State era, the War of Independence, the Six Day War, and beyond.

Because here in Eretz Yisrael, we have front row seats on Jewish history.

In fact, we’re more than mere spectators.

Living here means that we’ll IY”H be privileged to play major roles in the next chapter of our nation’s history – including rejoicing and celebrating when Tisha B’Av is transformed into a joyous festival, speedily and in our days.

יה”ר שיבנה בית המקדש במהרה בימינו, אמן.

Have an easy and meaningful fast.