Tish’ah b’Av 2026

Erev Tish’ah b’Av

with Rabbi Josh Gutoff

Wednesday, July 22 at 8:00 PM, in-person in the Charry Sanctuary
(accessible via livestream here, passcode will be shared via email)

Ma’ariv Service, reading of Eicha (Lamentations), & Kinot to follow.

Who is Responsible for Destruction?
Talmud study with Rabbi Joshua Gutoff

Beginning with a name mix-up in banquet invitations, the Talmudic story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza is part of the ancient rabbis’ explanations for why Jerusalem was destroyed on the 9^th of Av. In this interactive text study, Rabbi Josh Gutoff will offer a close reading of the story, posing questions about who is at fault at various points. Although we know it was the Roman army who destroyed Jerusalem, the ancient rabbis go to great lengths to locate responsibility within the Jewish community, including with the rabbis themselves. What does it mean, when living under an oppressive regime, to claim spiritual and moral responsibility, and what can we learn from this story today?

Rabbi Joshua Gutoff has written and taught about Jewish topics for more than 30 years and has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds.  A member of Minyan Masorti here, he received both rabbinic ordination and a doctorate in education at the Jewish Theological Seminary. 

Tish’ah b’Av Services – Thursday, July 23

• Rabbi Pulzetti will share selected poetry and music to help our community mourn the lives lost on October 7, 2023