Tisha B’Av & Minor Fast Days

A single lit candle glowing softly in a dark room.

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 single lit candle burning in the dark with a bright flame and black background.
A new recommendation for a Tisha B’Av greeting, intended to evoke peace
Sunrise over Earth seen from space with a bright glow at the horizon and stars in the background.
This new Tisha B’Av prayer is based on Sim Shalom, the closing blessing in the Amidah.
Waves crash against jagged dark rocks in the ocean, sending up white sea spray and foam.
Rabbi Emily Cohen and Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Hermann share a powerful original Lamentations for Tisha b’Av 2025
Close-up of a yellow flower with long petals against a blurred green and yellow background.
Two new Tisha b’Av rituals created for 2025 focus on mourning and liberation.
Silver spice box, ornate kiddush cup with saucer, and braided yellow Havdalah candle in holder.
Rabbi Gilah Langner’s version of Eikah focuses on Israel and also Gaza.
A leafless tree stands in calm water under a deep blue sky, creating a serene and moody scene.
“Let Av hold what hurts. / Let it draw us near.”
Tree branches with dense, green, sunlit leaves hanging down, creating a shaded, tranquil atmosphere.
“We remember the sadness of death Yet we are blessed with life to hold the memory…”
hands holding a tiny seedling
“Help us navigate the rocky shores that beckon us to shipwreck our lives in grief forever.”
A cloudy sky over rocky shores
“Open Your souls and soak in the sound…” This original song is inspired by Psalm 22 (4:40)
close up of person's hands on their chest outdoors in sunlight

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