This Saturday (August 2, 2025) at sunset, Jewish people around the world will gather in prayer and fasting for Tisha B’Av; the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. But understanding Tisha B’Av gives you a deeper window into the heartache, longing, and ultimate hope at the center of God’s story.
What Is Tisha B’Av?
Tisha B’Av (“the ninth of Av”) marks a day of national tragedy for Israel. Throughout history, it’s the day when both the First and Second Temples were destroyed—Solomon’s Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, and Herod’s Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. But that’s not all. Jewish tradition says five calamities happened on this day, including:
The decree that the Exodus generation would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14).
The destruction of Jerusalem in later centuries.
Expulsions from England, Spain, and other tragedies.
How Is Tisha B’Av Observed?
It’s a full fast day (no food or water), marked by reading Lamentations, turning out the lights and lighting candles, sitting on the floor, and remembering the suffering of exile. Synagogues dim the lights, people mourn… and yet, even in sorrow, there’s an undercurrent of hope.
Where Is Jesus in Tisha B’Av?
Tisha B’Av is a window into the deep longing for God’s presence. The Temple was more than a building, it was the place where God’s glory dwelled. When it fell, Israel was left aching for restoration, for Messiah, for return.
Jesus Wept: In Luke 19:41-44, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foreseeing its destruction. He feels the pain of Tisha B’Av personally, and His tears echo the lament of Lamentations.
The True Temple: Yeshua points to Himself as the greater Temple (John 2:19-21). Through His sacrifice, God’s presence isn’t limited to stone walls but is poured out on all who believe.
Hope Beyond Destruction: Even as we mourn what was lost, Tisha B’Av whispers about coming redemption. The fast ends with the hope of Messiah’s return… when every tear will be wiped away, and God’s dwelling will be with His people forever (Revelation 21:3-4).
Word Girl Reflection:
Have you ever had seasons of loss, longing, or waiting for God to rebuild something in your life? Tisha B’Av reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted and that mourning will not last forever.
Go Deeper:
Lamentations 3:19–26: The hope in the middle of sorrow—“Great is Your faithfulness.”
Luke 19:41–44: Jesus’ tears for Jerusalem.
Revelation 21:1–4: The promise of a rebuilt, restored, eternal dwelling with God.
Challenge:
While this is a Jewish day of fasting and not a biblical fast day, you can still take time this weekend to join me and other Messianic Jews across the world as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for all who mourn. Ask God to reveal areas in your life where He wants to bring healing and hope out of broken places. You can also read and study Lamentations.
Final Thought:
Tisha B’Av is a day of honest grief, but it’s also a seed of hope. In Jesus, even our deepest ruins become the ground for new beginnings.
Thank you for this post, I’m looking forward to seeing more of the meaning behind the Jewish holidays and holy days. Read the scriptures going deeper and found myself weeping over the tragedies, but more for the hearts of the people who have not desired Gods presence! Praying for the peace of Jerusalem!🛐✝️