July 18, 2026 – Devarim

Shabbat Chazon: A Metaphor for Our Annual Meeting

Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av, corresponding to July 22 and 23 this year, is a time to fast and mourn the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. According to tradition, the first and second Temples were destroyed on this date. The Shabbat before the fast day is called Shabbat Chazon, the Shabbat of Vision, for on this Shabbat we read a chapter from the Prophets (Isaiah 1:1-27) that begins, “The vision of Isaiah … .”

In partnership with OZS, Tisha B’Av services will be at TAI at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday. The Book of Lamentations, Eichah, customary songs of mourning and contemporary poems confronting loss, will be read and sung. Those who can are invited to sit on the floor. In lieu of our regular lighting, the sanctuary will be lit only by flashlight and candles.

But before we get to Tisha B’Av we have the Sabbath of Vision, and vision is a good way to think about our annual meeting this Sunday. In addition to reviewing our budget, approving our slate of officers and directors, and thanking those who make this place what it is, the annual meeting is an opportunity to share our vision for the year ahead.

Whether your passion is worship, education, cultural/recreational programs, community engagement or social justice, the annual meeting is the time and place to learn about what we are planning and ask questions about what you would like to see. What makes the annual meeting “congregational” is not the staff or the board, but you, our congregants. Without your presence, participation and perspective, our vision is incomplete. Please make every effort to attend and encourage fellow members to do likewise.

Shabbat Shalom and See You Sunday,
Rabbi David Wirtschafter