Tisha B'Av
Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, is a solemn day of fasting and mourning that remembers the greatest tragedies in Jewish history—most notably the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Over thecenturies, many other national calamities also fell on this date, making it a powerful reminder of Israel’s suffering and resilience. For believers exploring the Jewish roots of their faith, Tisha B’Av invites reflection on the cost of exile, the longing for restoration, and God’s enduring covenant with His people. It is a day that leads from grief toward hope, anticipating the promised redemption when God will comfort Zion and rebuild Jerusalem.
As we began to learn more about the Jewish calendar, we discovered that the Bible speaks about certain fasts that take place during specific months. Not being Jewish, these were rhythms we had largely missed—another layer of remembering and reflection that was new to us. One of the most significant is the Ninth of Av, a day closely associated with sorrow and loss. Both Temples were destroyed on or around this date, and many other painful events in Jewish history, including expulsions, are remembered at this time.
We also noticed that God speaks about these fasts with hope, promising that they will one day be turned into times of joy and gladness. While we don’t observe the fasts in the same way the Jewish people do, we do choose to recognise this season of mourning. It’s a time for us to pause, reflect, and remember—while also holding on to hope for restoration.
We’ve learned that there is value in acknowledging difficult seasons. Often, it’s through walking gently through times of sorrow that we become better prepared to truly enter into joy when it comes.
“I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them.”— Jeremiah 24:6
Books
🌿 The Dire Straits of Redemption:
A 21-day journey to transform Jewish and Christian relations
Samuel Wearp
Samuel Wearp invites readers on a reflective 21‑day journey designed to deepen understanding and healing between Jewish and Christian communities. Drawing from Scripture, history, and the shared heritage of faith, Wearp explores the long‑standing tensions between these two traditions and offers daily insights aimed at fostering reconciliation, prayer, and mutual respect. Through guided reflection and spiritual challenge, this devotional seeks to awaken Christians to a renewed, biblical understanding of “right relationship” with the Jewish people—a balm for division and a catalyst for unity.
🌱 A Temple in Flames:
The Epic Story of the Final Battle for Jerusalem
Gershon Bar-cochva , Ahron Horovitz
Gershon Bar‑Cochva and Ahron Horovitz brings to life one of the most pivotal and tragic moments in ancient history—the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 CE. With Bar‑Cochva’s expertise as a military historian and Horovitz’s deep knowledge of Jerusalem’s archaeology and culture, the book weaves a vivid narrative of the strategy, struggle, and human drama that culminated in the breach of the city walls and the Temple’s burning. Drawing on archaeological discoveries and historical sources, this compelling account reconstructs the final days of the Jewish revolt with clarity and emotional impact, offering readers both a detailed chronicle and a gripping story of courage, conflict, and loss.
“All who mourn for Jerusalem will merit to see her joy.”
— Talmud, Ta’anit 30b
Articles
“I am very jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion… I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem.”— Zechariah 8:2–3
Youtube Videos
From Fasts to Feasts:
Asking the Right Question on Tisha B’Av
Join us as we explore the prophetic words of Zechariah, where God challenges us to ask better questions—not just “Can we stop mourning?” but “How do we build redemption?” Discover how the fasts of destruction can become festivals of joy, and how each of us has a role in that transformation.