Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av, has traditionally been a day of mourning and fasting. It commemorates the destruction of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem. Some Jewish families now think of the holiday as a day for Tikkun Olam — repairing the world.
Everything you wanted to know about Tisha B’Av — and more!
- Read Lisa’s blog, “What is Tisha B’Av?”
- Read about the historical context of Tisha B’Av in this article by National Today.
- Reflect on connecting Tisha B’Av to struggles against oppression according to the American Jewish World Service.
- Learn about Tisha B’Av’s origins.
Tisha B’Av is not really a playful holiday, but here are some meaningful activities in the holiday spirit.
- Focus on the Temple with these building-related ideas.
- Repair things around the home, such as torn books, broken toys, or much-loved stuffed animals.
- Breathe and practice mindfulness by watching this meditation for kids or do some yoga together.
Hard boiled eggs are part of a traditional pre-fast meal in many families.
- Make some perfect hard-boiled eggs, egg salad, or deviled eggs with your children. Make sure to use an egg slicer for the egg salad!
Not everyone listens to music on this holiday, but here are some melodies that might inspire.
- Listen to some holiday-related music on our Tisha B’av Spotify playlist.
There’s nothing like a PJ Library book!
- King Solomon built the first Temple. PJ Library has books about Tisha B’Av, ancient Israel, and King Solomon.
- For adults: If the body is a temple, can we address and heal our inner fractures?
Looking for more ways to observe? Here are some ideas from Jewish Learning Venture staff!
Alyse celebrates at her synagogue, by sitting on the floor with candles/flashlights and lights lowered, and singing psalms and songs.
char finds meaning in the sounds of Tisha B’Av, and in going to synagogue to hear Eicha (Book of Lamentations) be read.
Elana and her family, inspired by their camp experiences, remember sitting in a room lit by candles listening to quiet music (By the Waters of Babylon among them) and hearing the traditional words of Eicha.
Julia never observed Tisha B’Av with her family but remembers learning about it, and other parts of Jewish history, from her father.
Rhona attends an evening reading of Eicha, where she finds the combination of the nusach, the tune used, the imagery of the poetry, and the setting emotionally transcendent.
For Robyn, observing Tisha B’Av at camp with candles, along with chanting Eicha which has a very distinct tune, and being together with friends was always very meaningful and memorable.
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