Tisha B'Av ("the ninth of Av") (Hebrew: תשעה באב‎ or ט׳ באב)

Around the corner is my 7 year anniversary, and I feel so blessed for my husband plus the amazing community that I now have in my daily life.  Literally every day is a celebration of a new life, a life lived and gone but never forgotten, a holiday, a birthday, and even rejoicing when amazing Rabbi's were freed from jail after serving a sentence for keeping their beliefs and traditions strong.

Last night began a 24 hour fast, and it has major significance even more than usual because of the situation in Israel right now.  Here is the history, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tisha_B'Av.  Many Jews who are not observant feel very strongly about fasting on Yom Kippur, once a year they connect to their ancestors, spiritual beliefs, traditions, and the Jewish nation.  I just found an amazing article about making Yom Kippur internationally recognized ,http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/32-nations-back-judaisms-yom-kippur-holiday-24781581.

I have not fasted during my pregnancies and nursing, but this year it is a deep need to connect with my brothers and sisters all over the world, send strength, energy, support, love, and prayers to Israel and the IDF.  So far I feel incredibly strong and not hungry at all, even while serving food to my kids.

Here is some wonderful facts about Jewish Fast Days and Great Tips for Fasting,
http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/431178/jewish/Tips-for-an-Easier-Fast.htm

Meaningful Past,
Meaningful Fast,
Coach Yulia