Tisha B’Av: An Important Message of Hope and Courage

Rabbi Ariel Platt 

Beginning today, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at sundown through tomorrow at sundown, the Jewish community observes Tisha B’Av—the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av. It is one of the most solemn days on the Jewish calendar, commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem (586 BCE and 70 CE), as well as other tragedies that have marked Jewish history.

Tisha B’Av is a communal day of mourning—a time when Jews around the world pause to reflect on sorrow, loss, and the brokenness that exists both in our history and in our world today. The traditional practices of Tisha B’Av, including fasting and refraining from certain comforts, are physical ways to connect with feelings of sadness, vulnerability, and remembrance. During services, it is customary to read from the Book of Lamentations (Eicha), ancient poetry that gives voice to grief, pain, and longing.

While Tisha B’Av is rooted in remembrance of tragedy, it also carries an important message of hope: brokenness is not the end of the story. We have the ability to come together to rebuild, restore, and create beauty.

One of Judaism’s most inspiring stories captures this message (Babylonian Talmud, Makkot 24b). After the destruction of the Second Temple, Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues stood overlooking its ruins. While the others wept at the devastation, Rabbi Akiva smiled. When they asked how he could possibly smile in such a moment, he explained that just as the prophets’ warnings of destruction had come true, so too would their promises of renewal and rebuilding. Even in the midst of profound loss, he found the courage to hold onto hope. His example reminds us that acknowledging heartbreak and believing in a better future are not opposing ideas—they are often part of the same journey.

Tisha B’Av acknowledges that brokenness is part of the human experience. Sometimes people are hurt. Sometimes communities face loss. Sometimes places and relationships are damaged. But Judaism teaches that destruction does not have the final word.

We rebuild through kindness. We rebuild through friendship. We rebuild by showing up for one another and helping those around us.

Each act of compassion, understanding, and care contributes to healing and renewal. Every kind thing we do helps make our shared world a little more beautiful.

As we reflect on Tisha B’Av, may we honor the lessons of the past while committing ourselves to building a future shaped by empathy, connection, and hope.

Check out these links for more information:

My Jewish Learning – https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/tisha-bav-101/ 

PJ Library – https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/august-2014/books-about-tisha-bav 

Exploring Judaism – https://exploringjudaism.org/holidays/tisha-bav/