Why do Jews Mourn the Destruction of The Temple in Jerusalem?
When Jews recall the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem on Tishah B’Av, they also remember that their ancestors were driven from the land of Israel. After the First Temple was destroyed, the Jews were exiled to Babylonia, but were permitted to return to Israel fifty years later. After the Second Temple was destroyed, the Jews were expelled to many foreign lands, where they lived for the next 2,000 years. Living outside of Israel was known as living in the Diaspora, a Greek word meaning “dispersion.” Without a homeland, the Jews were forced to wander from country to country, seeking a land in which they could live in peace. Very often, severe restrictions were placed on the Jewish population. In many Diaspora communities, Jews could not own land, join craft guilds, or engage in certain professions. In addition, the Jewish population could be expelled at the whim of the government. Church or government-sanctioned attacks on Jews and their property were also a common part of Diaspora
