This Shabbat we mark Rosh Hodesh Av, the first of the new month of Av. It also marks the beginning of Ramadan this year. To my Muslim friends I say Mubarak Ramadan. May Ramadan be for a blessing. Both Muslims and Jews use this fasting to enrich their observances. Jews fast on Tisha B’av for 24 hours. Muslims fast each day from sunrise to sunset. Both Muslims and Jews say, “Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.”

Tonight there are more tears… Israelis killed and injured on a tour bus in Bulgaria. Afghani wedding guests murdered by a suicide bomber. And in the US, 59 people wounded and at least 12 people killed in a movie theater at a midnight showing of Batman. For each of the families directly affected, and mourning tonight, I weep. This kind of wanton disregard of human life is shocking. Deeply troubling and very very sad. In one week Jews will mark Tisha B’av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar when both Temples were destroyed. It is said that the Second Temple was destroyed because of sinat chinam, senseless hatred. Each of these examples this week are of modern, senseless hatred.

One week from tonight we also pause to observe the opening of the Olympic Games in London. This year will mark the 40th anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israeli athletes and coaches at the 1972 Games. Thus far the International Olympic Committee has not been willing to honor the memory of the dead with a moment of silence. The Olympics are supposed to be about a break from war. I wonder as Peter Paul and Mary did, “How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn’t see… Yes, how many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died ?”

Too many people have died. Let’s use this Tisha B’Av as more than a fast day. Let’s use it as a time to work for peace, to bridge the gaps so that there is not sinat chinam, senseless hatred. Then the memories of those who have died, 2000 years ago, 40 years ago, and again this week will become a blessing.