Shalom all,
It's real good to be back in Cabo after our busy week in the States.
It's nice to be with family and friends, especially when it's not every day that you have a chance to see them... But being back with the community here in Cabo is real nice too and we're pleased to be here again. We really missed it all while we were away.
Upon our arrival, The CJC got right into the swing of things. We had a wonderfully deep discussion during this past weeks CABO'lah class on Tuesday night, just four hours after we arrived back in Cabo. Then on Wednesday, Sonia arranged a beautiful Challah baking class for the Jewish women of Cabo, which was enjoyed by all.
While in New York last week Thursday, I had the opportunity to visit the grave of the Rebbe as I promised I would. I placed all the letters and requests that were handed to me before I left, by the Rebbe's resting place. I also asked him for his blessing on our continued growth and success as a community at large and to bless each and every individual of the Cabo Jewish community with health, happiness and prosperity.
This coming week, the fun will end for a little while in the Jewish calendar. As of this coming Thursday, the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, the Jewish people enter into three weeks of mourning and sadness.
On the 17th of Tammuz, the Roman's breached the wall surrounding Jerusalem in the year 69CE and began their horrible and bloody conquest of our holiest city, eventually culminating with the saddest time in our History - The destruction of our holy Temple three weeks later on the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av.
We fast on both the 17th of Tammuz (this Thursday) and on the tragic day of Tisha B'Av (9th of Av).
During these three weeks the Jewish people are in a state of mourning. We don't listen to music, take haircuts or do any other forms of leisure or pleasuresome activities.
During these three weeks we try and put in an extra effort to act in manners that would help rebuild our holy Temple and restore our religious freedom and glory. Increasing in our love of a fellow Jew... increasing in our studies, especially with regard to studying about our Holy Temple which was destroyed... Increasing in fulfilling as many Mitzvot as we are capable of fulfilling during these sad days.
We hope and pray that we will need not be saddened this coming Thursday and we will feast instead of fasting, as the world will be able to rejoice together with the speedy arrival of our promised redemption and the coming of the Mashaich (Messiah) speedily in our days, so that by this Thursday, we will already be dancing together in the third Holy Temple in our 'safe and peaceful' homeland and home city of Jerusalem.
Looking forward to seeing you this coming Shabbat,
Shabbat Shalom to all.
Benny
WILL YOU MISS OTTAWA IN ANY WAY? 
