Why Columbus’ Launching Day Causes Jews to Mourn

Jews know the date as Tisha B’Av, the date on which they commemorate the worst tragedies of the last 3 1/2 millennia.

Not by accident, historians tell us, did Columbus sail on Aug. 1.

In the ugly process of ridding Spain of all non-believers in Catholicism, the leaders of the massively cruel Inquisition established Tisha B’Av as the deadline for Jews to convert or flee.

No Proof

For centuries, rumors have persisted that Columbus, a Catholic, actually was a Jew. No one has come close to proving the claim.

For the 25 hours following a heavily ritualized meal tonight, Jews simultaneously will fast and mourn.

Some Jews in synagogue and some Jews in the workplace will recall the destructions of the First and Second Temples on this date, their screaming expulsion from every western European country for refusing to convert, and other disasters.

Certain to be Noticed

In a country where supposedly a majority of adolescents and more than half of all adults are fat, shutting the kitchen for a full day-plus is the swiftest way to seize one’s attention.

Just as a mourning Jew takes a seat on a pillow or on a chair lower other furniture during the seven days following a death, a similar practice is followed on Tisha B’Av.

Candles the Only Illumination

At my synagogue, the room is darkened.

Everyone takes a sitting position on the floor, and in one hand he holds aloft a lighted candle while prayers enjoining us to recall the tragedies are uttered.

For some, heartfelt tears flow, especially down the faces of Jews for whom harsh deaths were near — perhaps in the Holocaust or more recently.

Exterior and Interior

For grippingly important reasons, certain clothes are identified with Tisha B’Av, and others are prohibited.

One particular injunction probably is nearly impossible to observe in New York.

But the practice flows easily into the majority culture in Los Angeles.

Since the day — ending at 8:45 on Tuesday night — is to be consumed by ever deepening reflections on the major tragedies of Jewish history, Jews are forbidden to greet each other.

What Do You Do for Pleasure?

From the inside anyway, Judaism seems to be the eatingest religion on the planet.

Nothing stronger than a hiccup is commemorated with anything royal less than a sumptuous meal.

To show you how seriously Judaism takes Tisha B’Av, the three weeks preceding this date serve as a gradual building-up to this climactic, cymbals-clashing evening.

Stomach Is the Route to the Soul

To make sure that the calendar collars every Jew’s attention, one’s palate is purposely impoverished.

Exactly three weeks before Tisha B’Av, there is a 16 1/2-hour fast, warning the community of the daunting days ahead.

The greatest delicacy known to most persons of my acquaintance is meat. Therefore, during the period known as the Three Weeks, meat is prohibited, except on the Sabbath.

Of Two Minds

While you, dear reader, may remember Columbus tomorrow, I will not only reflect on the tragedies that brought us to this day but also how soon the fast will end.