Halocho #763 - Mourning the Bet Hamikdash in Adar

The second Bet Hamikdosh was dedicated today - 3 Adar - about 2356 years ago. (Ezra 6: 15)

After the destruction of the Temple, Chazal (the Sages of blessed memory) instituted that at all joyous occasions we remember the destruction, including:

- At festive meals one should leave out one serving dish
- A woman should not wear all her jewelery together
- At the engagement a plate is broken - though it should be a damaged plate
- At the wedding a glass cup is broken
- The bride's veil shouldn't have gold or silver threads
- The groom has ashes placed on his hair (where he places his Tefillin) before the wedding

This way we fulfill the verse "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem...if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." (Psalms 137: 6-7)

Source: Kitzur Shulchon Aruch 126:1-2

- Danny
Wednesday, 3 Adar II 5771