Halocho #1044 - Mourning the Beit HaMikdash in Adar

The second Beit HaMikdash was dedicated today - 3 Adar - some 2360 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 jewelry at the same time

- 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 5773