Open Search form

Tisha B'Av

Apply for a Blog

Jul 2, 2026, 7:34 AM

Why Do Jews Fast for Jerusalem?

A 17th of Tammuz reflection on why one small city still matters to the world. I write these words as the sun rises over Jerusalem. The first light breaks across the hills of this extraordinary city, just as it has for...

Jun 25, 2026, 10:33 AM

Hot Jew Summer 5786

Let’s face it, when it comes to Judaism in the summer for over 2,000 years, we have been shofaring it in, then about 150 years ago, a beit din finally changed halacha, and we were able to phone it...

Jun 22, 2026, 7:21 AM

Is Truth Relative? The Lesson of the 3 Weeks

Every time I look online, listen to a clip from the news or peruse social media I find myself getting angry. The way that Israel and Jews are portrayed is maddeningly unfair and seems to only be getting worse....

Jun 16, 2026, 6:45 PM

Dybbooks: When Possessions Possess Dusty Dreams

Like a modern lyrical Cassandra, the songstress Marina Diamandis sings: "If you are not very careful Your possessions will possess you TV taught me how to feel Now real life has no appeal (Lyrics from Marina and The Diamonds – Oh No!) And as I...

May 20, 2026, 4:18 AM

Naso and Ruth : A Season for Reflection

Almost four years ago, in June 2022, I began writing a blog for the TOI. At the time, I did not imagine it would become a weekly practice—one in which I try to weave together the weekly parsha with...

Moshe-Mordechai van Zuiden

Nov 8, 2025, 6:35 PM

From now on, for everyone, Jewish tragedies must be commemorated on one day each

One People, one Land, one G^d, one calendar I don't think it is a good idea that secular and religious Israelis commemorate tragedies that they endured together on separate days. Secular and religious Jews should adopt each other fast. Unity is...

Justine Johnston Hemmestad

Aug 15, 2025, 7:19 AM

Another Tisha B’Av in the Shadow of War

My friend, the Nameless One, says the current feeling in Israel is depressing; and the gravity of his sadness can be heard in his voice. He says, “It’s very, very hot,” compounded with the fact that the holiday of Tisha...

Alexander A. Winogradsky Frenkel

Aug 12, 2025, 5:25 PM

Hapax: Redeeming the Captives or Not

Today’s internet and social networks allow anyone to express an opinion. My own work — writing articles and giving lectures on Talmud, Jewishness, and the Yiddish world — comes from my life as an Israeli archpriest, presently serving in...

Aug 10, 2025, 11:14 AM

Finding Light in Darkness

A sick child enjoying the bird show

While Israel Mourned on Tisha B'Av, These Sick Children Found Pure Joy" Sunday, July 7th was Tisha B'Av, one of the most solemn days in the Jewish calendar—a time when we remember our holy temple, our greatest losses, and...

Marc J. Rosenstein

Aug 8, 2025, 1:17 PM

The Jewish Power Blog: Mourning and Fasting

Traditionally, in a Jewish house of mourning, during the shiv’ah period of intense grief, there is always plenty of food; indeed, an important role of the supporting community during that week is to make sure that the mourners are...

Load more