On Tisha B’Av, we remember why we lost the land

On Tisha B’Av, Jews remember the loss of the land of Israel, prompting reflection on how to prevent its recurrence. The article, inspired by Yael Leibowitz's question at the Zohar Conference, argues that retaining the land depends not solely on military or political strength but on adherence to a covenant demanding justice, responsibility, humility, and faith. The destruction of the First Temple is attributed to injustice and corruption, while the Second Temple's fall resulted from "baseless hatred" (sinat chinam) and a lack of national emotional intelligence, where disagreements escalated into contempt. The author draws parallels to contemporary Israeli society, citing pre-October 7th divisions and misinterpretations of Hamas's intentions. The piece concludes that national emotional intelligence—the ability to understand oneself, others, and act with foresight—is crucial for maintaining unity and securing the nation's future.