Be Kind. A Poem for Tisha B’Av

 
Why was the Second Temple destroyed? Because of wanton hatred.
—Babylonian Talmud, Yoma.9b.8
 
The heat oppressive one too many days?
Be kind.
 
The actions of your political enemy engender despair?
Be kind.
 
Critters rampage through your garden yet again?
Be kind.
 
Your child stresses you one time too many?
Be kind.
 
The cruelty of the powerful cuts to your core?
Be kind.
 
Your spouse forgets? Misunderstands? Is just plain annoying?
Be kind.
 
Heavy rains threaten your basement?
Be kind.
 
Global killing and destruction break your heart?
Be kind.
 
Everything overwhelms you?
Be kind.
 
Be kind. That is the message of this day.
 
What do you need in order to be kind?
What do I need?

Honor the memory of your loved one with a donation to support Ritualwell

Related Rituals

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network