This Tishah B’Av, as the entire Jewish world puts aside their daily concerns and mourns the Beis HaMikdash, an additional wave of inspiration flows out across the globe. For more than two decades, The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation’s worldwide Tishah B’Av event has brought together Jews across the U.S., throughout the world, and from all walks of life. This event has been implemented in 16 countries and 700 sites, including communities, camps, and bungalow colonies, in order to inspire Jews to do their part in bringing achdus and geulah to Klal Yisrael.

Each year, the event focuses on new perspectives and practical actions individuals can take to increase shalom in their personal lives and in the world. The presentations are captivating and inspiring, encouraging people to make real changes that will bring zechus and berachah into their lives.

Dozens of e-mails and phone calls each year are testimony to the impact of these events and its effects on people’s lives. As a result of the inspiring words heard on Tishah B’Av, rifts have been healed, issues have been resolved, and spiritual health has been restored.

At this year’s two programs, tens of thousands of Jews will hear riveting presentations that examine the dynamics of the internal battle for the soul of Klal Yisrael. With the title “Step by Step, Choice by Choice,” the presentation highlights the power each individual exerts over his personal reality and our people’s destiny, through the words and deeds he chooses each day.

Program A offers the inimitable presentations of Rav Yitzchok Scheiner, rosh Yeshivas Kamenitz Yerushalayim, and Rav Elya Brudny, rosh mesivta in the Mirrer Yeshiva of Flatbush, as they reveal the force exerted by lashon ha’ra. “Choosing Our Words” examines the divisive nature of negative speech and the manner in which it destroys unity and exposes Klal Yisrael to danger and destruction.

This program also offers “Choosing to Care,” which highlights the positive impact of Klal Yisrael caring for one another. Rav Yissocher Frand, rosh mesivta in Yeshivas Ner Israel of Baltimore, shines a brilliant light on one especially powerful aspect of this mitzvah–nosei b’ohl chaveiro, bearing the yoke of another’s burden–and showing the ultimate understanding of ahavas Yisrael by putting personal time and effort and resources to alleviate another’s plight.

Program B features world-renowned speakers Rabbi Eytan Feiner, rav of Kneseth Israel, Far Rockaway, and Rabbi Eli Mansour, rabbi of Congregation Bet Yaakob in Brooklyn. In “Choosing Our Words,” these two dynamic lecturers offer a masterful presentation examining the divisive nature of negative speech and the manner in which it destroys unity. With their own unique and powerful style, these lecturers leave an indelible message about the evil force exerted by lashon ha’ra, which brings Klal Yisrael to danger and destruction.

The two segments come together in one event that will open participants’ eyes to the battle between galus and geulah that plays out in the everyday lives of the Jewish people. Although Hashem promises that ultimately the side of geulah will win, the length and difficulty of the battle lie within the choices of each Jew. With the inspiration flowing from this year’s event, participants will be energized to join the battle wholeheartedly and add their own special strength to the winning side.

Join thousands of Jews around the globe as we strive to build a better world at this year’s worldwide Tishah B’Av event. Rediscover how we define ourselves as individuals and how we impact our nation–choice by choice. See the listings in this week’s newspaper (page 7) for the times and location in your neighborhood, or call 845-352-3505, ext. 106. v

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