For many years, the fast of Tisha B’Av was not marked, and was barely even discussed, in Reform Judaism. In the last 2 or 3 decades, synagogues have begun to re-engage with the themes and customs of this time of mourning. Tisha B’Av occurs on the 9th day of Av.
As well as classical forms of commemoration, some synagogues also use this as an opportunity to reflect upon other tragedies that have afflicted the Jewish community throughout history, and some also include other human disasters, too.
This is the final event of the Jewish calendar before Elul leads us up to the High Holidays – could it also be a way of beginning to unpack our grief, act against human suffering, and bring change in the New Year?
Rabbi Josh Levy of Alyth Reform Synagogue reflects, there is much to mourn, but perhaps it is not the destruction of the Temple that should be at the centre of our observance as Reform Jews. You can read more here.