Those who love the Land of Israel will appreciate this week's Torah reading, which reminds us that God watches over it and we should never lose faith.

The message of the very first Tisha b’Av: Count your blessings and don’t cry over the small stuff!

One who performs a 'mitzvah mission' exclusively because it is right and not for ulterior motives, such as honor and recognition, is a person to be admired. 

The lesson of the 10 evil spies is one that should be internalized daily in each and every one of us, which is: Don’t be a pessimist!