Tisha B'Av

Last week I joined a 3-day architectural lecture tour of the Old City and City of David. The sheer power of the Roman empire was clear to be seen along with its prowess in the construction of massive edifices and engineering of wondrous aqeducts.

We had some of Israel's most illustrious archeologists to guide our mixed group, from religious to secular.

After 3 days of exposure to the relics of Roman power, a religious seminary girl whispered a comment to our secular guide. He replied: "Don't whisper - say it out loud, so they can all hear."

She turned to us and said: "I just remarked that, for all this incredible power the Romans had - they are no longer here. But we Jews ARE."