Tisha b'Av: Remembering the Price of Baseless Hatred

Articles and Stories about this difficult day, with something for everyone

This year Tisha b’Av begins a little before sundown Wednesday evening, July 22, 2026 and ends an hour after sunset on Thursday, July 23.

On this day in Jewish history, many bad things happened. But some of them—the original bad things—were not done to us. We did them to ourselves, and angered God so badly that He made this day one on which which our enemies have chosen to do us ill.

It is a day of total fasting—a 25-hour fast from before sundown one day until an hour after sundown the next day. Not even water is to be drunk, although in cases of fragile health rabbis can give permission for small amounts of water to be drunk every so many minutes. I have been told fasting is so important that lying down in a dark room for most of the day is recommended for those who feel sick fasting but whose health is otherwise normal.

I’ve provided links to the five stories and articles on this day that I’ve published in TanteHannaWrites. I’ve also linked to several articles from other sources covering the day from different perspectives and two videos that will premiere on Tisha b’Av, so I have not seen them. The first is definitely not for children; the second may appeal to families. I am recommending them because they are produced by very reliable organizations.

My Stories for Children and Teens

Don’t Say Poopy Head, a story for children 4-7 about Tisha b’Av, using bad names, and senseless hatred.

Jerusalem Tunnel, a story for ages 9-14. Time-travel on Tisha b’Av.

The Catholic Jew, for teens. Based on a true story, this tale ties together European history from the 19^th century and today.

My Articles for Adults

Why Remember the Past? For adults. Is focusing on the past dysfunctional or does it serve a purpose?

Baseless Hatred: What It Is, How It Hurts, for adults. We need to look into our own hearts and root out any baseless hatred that we find.

Articles by Others

What Happened on the Ninth of Av? Seven catastrophes that occurred on this date in history, by Chabad.org.

Tisha B’Av: What Is This Day Really About? Aish.com discusses the spiritual aspects of this day and connecting to its deep meaning.

Some things you need to know about Tisha B’Av Author Assaf Golan of JNS describes how ancient mourning practices and spiritual atonement meld on this special day.

Videos

While We Were Celebrating is an original film by Aish.com appropriate for this day, when enjoyment is forbidden; registration is necessary but there is no charge.

Beit haMikdash in the Making, a film by the Orthodox Union Israel about building the Temple in Jerusalem.