Tisha B’Av is a Jewish day of mourning commemorating several tragedies that befell the Jewish people on the same calendar date throughout the centuries. Tisha B’Av means the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av, and on this date in 587 B.C.E., the Babylonians destroyed the First Temple. On Tisha B’Av in 70 C.E., Rome destroyed the Second Temple, and precisely one year later, plowed over the Temple Mount, removing every trace of even its rubble. Other events through time took place on the same Hebrew date, including in 1290 and 1492, when England and Spain, respectively, expelled Jewish people from their countries. On the 9th of Av in 1940, Heinrich Himmler presented to the Nazi party his plan for the “Final Solution” to “the Jewish problem,” and in 1942, the Nazis began deporting Jewish people from the Warsaw Ghetto to concentration camps.
Tisha B’Av
Such a tragic date in Jewish history calls for commemoration. In Jewish life, Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning and reflection on these numerous losses. They are a reminder of Jewish persecution throughout the ages and the sorrow of antisemitism borne by Jewish people to this very day. For three weeks leading up to the 9th of Av, Jewish mourning intensifies. We refrain from parties, weddings, and cutting our hair – all considered luxuries or joys. From the 1st through the 9th of Av, we also abstain from eating meat, drinking wine, and wearing new clothing. On Tisha B’Av itself, we abstain from food and drink, bathing, wearing cosmetics and other activities related to luxuries or celebrations. Even studying the Torah is forbidden because it brings joy. We read only from the book of Lamentations and recite traditional prayers of mourning.
Praying for Israel as She Grieves
Grieving is a necessary part of the healing process after a death, tragedy, or other loss. The State of Israel has been through an extremely difficult season since October 7, 2023. As we approach Tisha B’Av, we recognize Israel and the Jewish people come to this day for mourning long-ago tragedies still carrying the weight of October 7 and its ongoing aftermath. Here are nine ways to pray this Tisha B’Av for groups of Jewish people carrying these added burdens of grief.
1. Tisha B’Av – Mourning Historical Losses
Pray for Jewish people everywhere who are observing Tisha B’Av. Pray that their faithfulness to honor this tragic date in history would draw them closer to God, into a hunger for the Scriptures, a longing for the Messiah, and an openness to learning about Yeshua (Jesus).
2. Hostages’ Grief
At the time of this writing, 20 Gaza hostages are believed to be alive. By the time this prayer guide is published, they will have survived 662 days of anguish, hunger, and fear on top of physical, psychological and emotional abuse. Pray that God would give them strength to continue bearing the unbearable and that they would turn to Him in new ways that bring comfort and endurance.
3. Freed Hostages
Survival during captivity may have meant pushing natural grief aside to sustain inner strength. After the jubilation of their release settles down, then comes processing the trauma they went through. Many still experience nightmares, flashbacks, depression, and ongoing fear. Recovery is long as they learn to cope with post-captivity life, often without loved ones who perished on October 7. Pray for their continuing healing, that they receive excellent care and counsel, and that they may rebuild lives filled with beauty.
4. Hostage Families’ Grief
Nearly two years ago, normal life ceased for the families and friends of the hostages held in Gaza. Some have their loved ones back, but others don’t. Their lives remain suspended in an agonizing pause as they continue to advocate, pray, and worry for their loved ones. Pray for strength and hope as they continue waiting for their loved ones’ return. The families of freed hostages may be experiencing a new type of grief as they watch their loved ones’ fight for physical and emotional healing. Pray for strength and wisdom as they serve their freed loved ones .
More than 1,200 people were murdered in Israel on October 7, 2023, including 38 children. Some 250 minors lost one parent that day, and 31 young people aged 25 or younger lost both parents. Additionally, 329 soldiers were killed on October 7, along with police officers and other first responders. Pray for those who are grieving loved ones they lost on this tragic day.
6. Grieving without Closure
At the time of this writing, at least 28 families are grieving the loss of loved ones whose bodies are held captive in Gaza. Unable to hold funerals and burials, these families grieve without the closure that these familiar rituals bring. Pray for these families who have said they cannot move forward with their lives into healing until their loved ones’ remains come home.
Many of those who survived the violence of October 7 witnessed or experienced horrific trauma from which they must heal. Thousands have suffered from PTSD, suicidal inclinations, or general mental unwellness. The 12-day war with Iraq also brought tremendous stress as people endured daily missile attacks and violent strikes that took lives and destroyed buildings. Pray for the trauma survivors in need of healing and healthy ways to manage their memories and grief.
8. Losses from War
Nearly 450 soldiers have died in the war against Hamas, and more than 6,000 have been wounded. The Iran war killed 28 people, injured more than 3,000, and left over 9,000 people homeless. Pray for those who have endured these losses – of loved ones, health, or home – that they would find comfort from the Lord and strength to face the challenges that lie ahead.
9. Lost “Life as They Knew It”
Among the losses that many Israelis must grieve since October 7 is the loss of the lives they led before that tragic day. About 200,000 people were displaced from their destroyed homes and communities. Many from the kibbutzim (communal farming towns) that were hit hard by terrorists lost their peaceful way of life, their community, and livelihoods. Others are grieving the loss of a sense of safety that they previously felt. Pray for these people, whose lives have dramatically changed, as they continue to make their way forward, choose how or where to rebuild their lives, and perhaps grieve the loss of dreams they once had for themselves.
As Believers in Yeshua (Jesus), the Bible tells us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Thank you for praying for Israel and the Jewish people surrounding this national and religious day of mourning. Into this Tisha B’Av, they carry sorrows for the tragedies in Israel’s ancient history while also bearing the grief of recent tragedies.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem… “May they prosper who love you.” (Psalm 122:6).
“I will bless those who bless you…” (Genesis 12:3).
“…for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8).
