Tisha b'Av & Minor Fast Days

During the hottest time of the summer, when the land of Israel is parched and dry, we pause for the holiday of Tisha b’Av. It commemorates the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem and provides the opportunity to mourn for the suffering of our people and suffering throughout the world. Other minor fast days remind us of additional events from our shared history, and provide opportunities for reflection in our hectic lives. 

Latest Rituals

“May the cries of every neshama / Be rendered into / Notes of comfort…”
seagull flying over beach
A poem about the contradictions in the month of Av.
twine tied in the shape of a heart
A poem for Tisha b’Av.
woman in dark behind window with raindrops
“All that remains to me / of my family’s life in Ukraine… / are four silver kiddush cups…”
The Story That Could Heal
“In a field of lilies trampled by warriors / the Shekhinah weeps”
close up of light yellow-white lilies with black background
“her presence undimmed but hidden as the new moon”
Sackcloth: A Poem for Tisha b’Av
“As this day begins its dark descent / our tongues go dry again”
Tisha b’Av, Again

“You weep with us in the darkest night / But raise us in joy in morning’s light.”

Psalm for Tisha B’Av

“May the new orchard bloom, and the First Fruits be blessed”

From Destruction to Restoration for Tisha B’Av

“May we honor the earth that has received the remnants of that which has been destroyed”

Four Worlds Ritual for Tisha B’Av: Remembering, Mourning, and Renewal

The Reconstructionist Network

Get the latest from Ritualwell

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