Av: A Time of Sorrow and Comfort

CMJ USA • July 15, 2021

We have entered the Hebrew month of Av, the fifth month in God’s calendar as instituted in Exodus 12:2. The month of Av has what may be the saddest day of the year for Jewish people, and yet this month of sorrow also speaks of God’s faithfulness and redemption.

This month is best known for the fast day Tisha b’Av, the Ninth of Av (July 17/18, 2021), which commemorates the destruction of Solomon’s Temple by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. and the Second Temple by Rome in A.D. 70.

_{^{Image: Flight of the Prisoners by James Tissot (1902)}}

Flight of the Prisoners by James Tissot (1902)

Other calamities in Jewish history are also mourned on this date:

God declared the exodus generation would not enter the Promised Land after the Israelites believed the 10 spies’ bad report (Num 14, Mishnah Taanit 4:6).
Roman emperor Hadrian built a pagan temple on the Temple Mount and banished Jews from the city one year after the last Bar Kokhba stronghold fell in A.D. 135. ¹
King Edward I expelled all Jews from England in 1290.
Spain expelled all Jews in 1492.
Deportations began from the Warsaw Ghetto to the Treblinka death camp in 1942.

“The 9th of Av thus became a symbol for all the persecutions and misfortunes of the Jewish people,” explains Encyclopedia Judaica , “for the loss of national independence and the sufferings in exile.”

Even in the midst of mourning, rabbis see hope . “Av” means “father” in Hebrew. God is ever the faithful Father to his people Israel (Mal 1:6; Deut 32:6), even in times of trouble. The night sky also speaks of hope through the constellation Leo, visible during Av. There is a rabbinic teaching that says that though the lion of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem, another lion, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, will arise to rebuild Jerusalem.

The month does have a happier day, Tu b’Av, the 15th of Av (July 23/24), a holiday of love with connections to the Day of Atonement. This holiday, originating in the Second Temple Period, marks the start of the grape harvest, which ends on Yom Kippur. On Tu b’Av, the young women would dress in white and dance in the vineyards, inviting the young men to choose their brides. Today, the 15th of Av is a popular day for Jewish weddings.

As the Jewish people remember the calamities they have survived – some of them shamefully perpetrated by Christians – let us speak comfort to our Jewish friends and neighbors (Isa 40:1) . Let us affirm that the God of Israel is indeed faithful and remains their Father. The Father has already sent the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the son of David, to not only proclaim peace to the exiled but to make atonement for all our sins. Jesus of Nazareth, Messiah of Israel, the Bridegroom (Matt 9:15, Mark 2:19-20, Luke 5:34-25), will return to build the heavenly Jerusalem here on earth so that God will dwell with his people forever (Rev 21).

Further reading

Chodesh Av: A Month of Tragedy and Comfort- Hebrew4Christians
The Ninth of Av- Jewish Virtual Library
Jewish Holidays: Tu B’Av- Jewish Virtual Library

_{^{1 Hadrian also renamed the land of Israel, then known as Judea and Samaria, as Palestina, the Latinized form of Philistia.}}

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Fuel the Mission: CMJ USA Day of Giving, October 14

By Carino Casas • August 25, 2026

2026 has been a remarkable year of connection for CMJ USA. Traveling across the country to meet so many of you in person—at churches, conferences, and gatherings—is always a highlight of our ministry. From our early trips through South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to our upcoming visits in California, Texas, and Virginia (plus the meaningful Seders and teachings close to home in Pennsylvania), we are deeply grateful for every open door. As we look ahead, we are preparing for a major milestone: launching Emunah in 2027 and introducing it to congregations nationwide. To reach as many communities as possible, we need to build a strong digital and physical foundation today. Here is where your Day of Giving support directly makes an impact: Expanding Emunah: While Emunah will initially launch as a digital download, our goal is to expand into print editions and high-quality video instruction to maximize its reach. Travel & Outreach: Bringing the Jewish roots of our faith directly to local congregations requires flights, rental cars, and boots on the ground. Upgrading Our Digital Presence: We are optimizing our website to make key resources easily accessible and expanding CMJ’s voice on social media to actively counter anti-Jewish rhetoric with truth and clarity. How You Can Partner with Us Today Invite Us to Your Church: We would love to minister to your local congregation in person. Pray for the Ministry: Stand with us in prayer for wisdom, safe travels, and open doors. Invest in the Mission: Consider becoming a monthly donor or giving a strategic one-time gift this Day of Giving. As Director Emeritus Philip Bottomley often reminds us, "The Lord pays for what He orders." We also know He delights in using His saints as conduits of His abundant provision. To our faithful regular donors: thank you. You are integral to everything we do. Will you help us take this next step forward today?