7 Av – First Temple Invaded, 423 BCE.

Following nearly three weeks of intense fighting in Jerusalem, the Babylonian army breached the defenses of the Holy Temple. They vandalized, feasted, rejoiced, and celebrated for three days, until the ninth of Av, when they set the Temple aflame.
The Jewish people live on. This day in Jewish history is an affirmation of our refusal to despair despite suffering and persecution—a reminder that we are a people of faith, strength, and resilience.