While we may not feel the churban in our everyday lives, reading about some of the tragedies of the Jewish Nation can help put perspective on the Nine Days.
We go through the motions: no music, no meat, no swimming… but do we stop and think about what these days mean? Do we begin to understand the calamity that the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash was?
From a distance of so many years, it’s hard to even visualize what was. But through books, we can get a peek into some of the tragedies – with the Holocaust being the most relatable to us because of its relative recent timing, of course – that have befallen our People. Maybe we can be inspired to make changes. Maybe we can experience just a fraction of the sadness we should be feeling. And maybe we can experience more hope for the coming of Mashiach in our days.
All of the books listed below were read and recommended by a member of our team.
Book “Song of Redemption” by Zecharya Hoffman.
Unreal historical novel taking place during the times of the Churban. It gives you a true feeling of the loss of Bais Hamikdash.
Highly recommended!!
Thank you for the comprehensive list!
Just wanted to point out that most books are also available on https://www.shopeichlers.com/ and you can get same day delivery in NY/NJ area.
can u post more teenage geared books?
Can’t believe The Harp, by R’ Meir Uri Gottesman is not on the list!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1680256130?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image
I second the harp!
also if this interests you… Jewish History textbook called “History of the Jewish People” the first volume goes over the second beis hamikdash ending with the churban. It’s an easy read with a lot of information if you love Jewish history like I do. And the story of the churban and the antisemitism and infighting between different jewish sects etc. is truly heart wrenching especially seeing world events today
davening that this year we should celebrate tisha baav as a yom tov.
“I Promise You” by Yael Mermelstein is the first thing I open Tisha B’av night. Brilliantly written in first person, from the eyes of a child as she grows into a teen, with the language developing from childlike to teen-like as the book (and her age) progresses. An easy read for teens and adults.