Jewish Congregation observes Tisha B’Av
The Jewish Congregation of Maui will observe Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, from sundown on Saturday until Sunday night.
Tisha B’Av will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday with Mincha, followed by a “before fast meal.” A fast will begin at sunset. The end of Shabbat with Ma’ariv will be at 7:45 p.m. followed by Megillat Eichah, Book of Lamentations, and Kinot, mournful poetry.
At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday there will be a Shachanit service. The congregation does not wear don tefillin and tallit at this service. At the 6:45 p.m. Mincha afternoon service, the congregation does wear tallit and tefillin. Havdala and a light breakfast will be provided after the fast.
On the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av in 586 B.C.E, the first great Holy Temple in Jerusalem was demolished by invading Babylonians. Seventy years later, the second Holy Temple was erected. Almost 600 years later, once again on the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, in 70 C.E., the Romans sacked and destroyed the second temple. The temple was the vital, sacred nerve center of the Jewish people. It shattered and utterly ended the First and Second Jewish Commonwealth.
This is a day of grief, mourning and fasting. Jews around the world refrain from eating, drinking, wearing leather shoes, sexual relations, bathing, studying religious texts and greeting each other. Many sit on the ground or on low stools, particularly during the reading of Megillat Eichah, Book of Lamentations, and Kinot, mournful poetry. These acts are meant to help people remember the events. It is intended to increase one’s compassion and help identify with the Jews during temple days as well as the present.
The Jewish Congregation of Maui is located at Beit Shalom Synagogue, 634 Alulike St. in north Kihei. For more information, call the synagogue office at 874-5397.
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Hatsubon service part of obon event
Wailuku Hongwanji will present its annual obon event July 31 and Aug. 1. Each evening will begin with a Hatsubon service at 6:45 p.m. This service is intended to respect those members of Wailuku Hongwanji who have passed away over the last year. The Rev. Shinkai Murakami, resident minister, will deliver the Hatsubon sermon and service.
The bon dance will begin at 8 p.m. In addition to festive and colorful dancing, there will be food items for sale prepared by Cub Scout Pack 40, Scout Troop 40, Judo Club, Wailuku Roselani 4-H and the Buddhist Women’ Association.
Games for children will be offered by the Dharma School. People are welcome to tour the temple during the evening.
For more information, call Murakami at 244-0406.
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Backpacks blessed at Makawao church
Makawao Union Church will hold its annual Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday during the 10:30 a.m. worship. The Blessing of the Backpacks marks the beginning of the new school year and reminds children that they continue their journey in education with God’s care and the community’s support, according to an announcement. Bring a child’s backpack or book bag for blessing. Teachers who honor their ministry in educating young people will also be recognized. All are welcome to attend.
The blessing will be followed by the annual Ice Cream Social.
Makawao Union Church is an interdenominational community church located at 1445 Baldwin Ave., two miles mauka of the Hana Highway. For more information, call 579-9261.
