Why does the Book of Lamentations begin with the word Eicha — “How could this be?” This powerful teaching connects Eicha to Hashem’s question to Adam, Ayeka — “Where are you?” revealing how self-centeredness, baseless hatred, and spiritual fragmentation led to exile. Tisha B’Av becomes not only a day of mourning, but a call to rediscover unity, see through one another’s eyes, and bring Hashem’s presence back into the world.

baseless hatredJewish unity