Re-evaluating Av

​Today we have arrived at the fifth month on the Hebrew calendar. It is called Av, and its literal meaning is "father." It is said that this month is the low point on the Jewish calendar because on the 9th of Av the people of Israel chose to believe the negative report from ten of the spies who scouted out the Promised Land. Because of their unbelief in the power and faithfulness of God to do what He promised, a cycle of devastating events has taken place over the years on this very date. The enemy of their souls took advantage of their agreement with his kingdom and has used it to bring about devastating moments in history. These include the destruction of the first and second temple, the expulsion of the Jews from England and Spain, the deportation of the Jews to death camps in 1942, and the beginning of the expulsion of the Jews from Gaza. I can only imagine what the Jews in Israel will be thinking as they remember the horrors of this day.
 
It was twenty years ago, between the dates August 15 and September 12 on our calendars, that twenty-one Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip were dismantled and about 9,000 residents forcibly removed by their own people. They were caught in an impossible position because Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and members of the Knesset agreed to unilaterally disengage from Gaza in the hope that giving the "Palestinians" their own strip of land would lead to peace. The Jews left behind beautiful orchards, fields of grain, and greenhouses that produced most of Israel's produce and flowers. So much was grown that the bounty was shared with the world. It is still inconceivable to me that all of the growing areas were destroyed by those who moved in.
 
Least anyone wonder about the Jews' claim to the land in Gaza, let us remember that both Abraham and Isaac lived in Gerar. (Genesis 20:1 and 26:1 and 17) Gerar is located in the modern-day Gaza Strip. Josephus tells us that Simon Maccabee started a Jewish settlement in Gaza. Also, there was a large Jewish community living in Gaza between 10 and 220 AD and in the Byzantine period between 330 and 1453 AD. During World War One the Jews were deported from Gaza, but they returned in 1970. Under the direction of Israel's Prime Minister, Golda Meir, they remained there, building communities and supporting themselves through the planting of trees and flowers, and the construction of greenhouses. The thought that the implementation of The Disengagement Plan would lead to less terror attacks and greater levels of security proved false. Shortly after the Jews were removed from Gaza, the Palestinian Authority took charge. Two years later, when Hamas seized control of Gaza, it became obvious that the fears of those expelled from Gaza became true. Their leaders have no respect for human life or property.
 
Israel is now at a crossroad. The success of the recent twelve-day war brings new hope that Israel's security may improve. There are those who want Israel to take back Gaza and develop a plan for the resettlement of it by the Jews. However, international opinion may not let this happen. In the meantime, as Av 9 (called Tisha B'Av) approaches, the Jews will fast for 25 hours, dim their lights, and cover the cabinet holding the Torah scrolls (called Aron Ha Kodesh) in black. The Shabbat following their fast is called Shabbat Nachamu or Shabbat of Comfort, and the period following this day is Menachem Av, the Comforter of Av. The readings from their Scriptures will be about comfort and consolation.
 
You may think there is no hope for the fifth month of Av, but this is not so. With the Lord there is always redemption! While it is true that the people of Israel have had much to mourn in their history, God's grace is greater than His judgment. The prophet Isaiah promised that there would be "the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61:3) In addition, Zechariah gives us great hope. This is what he tells us: "This is what the Lord Almighty says, 'The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore, love truth and peace.'" (Zechariah 8:19) What started centuries ago with Israel's unbelief can be redeemed. Let us use this month as one to agree with the voice of faith. Let us believe God's promises and enter into His blessings for us and the people of Israel.