Tisha B’Av & Minor Fast Days

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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

“Wavering candlelight / illuminates our lament…”
A new recommendation for a Tisha B’Av greeting, intended to evoke peace
This new Tisha B’Av prayer is based on Sim Shalom, the closing blessing in the Amidah.
Rabbi Emily Cohen and Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann share a powerful original Lamentations for Tisha b’Av 2025
Two new Tisha b’Av rituals created for 2025 focus on mourning and liberation.
Rabbi Gilah Langner’s version of Eikah focuses on Israel and also Gaza.
“Let Av hold what hurts. / Let it draw us near.”
“We remember the sadness of death Yet we are blessed with life to hold the memory…”
“Help us navigate the rocky shores that beckon us to shipwreck our lives in grief forever.”
“Open Your souls and soak in the sound…” This original song is inspired by Psalm 22 (4:40)

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