Tisha B’Av ‘a call to look inward,’ rabbis say

Orthodox Jewish leaders emphasize that Tisha B’Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, should be a call to action beyond mourning the destruction of the Temples. Yeshiva University President Rabbi Ari Berman stated, “We need to defend the live Jerusalem” and respond to contemporary challenges to Zionism with clarity and truth. Rabbi Yaakov Glasser of Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton noted that Tisha B’Av also prompts introspection, reminding that “internal discord left the Jewish people vulnerable.” Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union cautioned against excessive focus on contemporary issues, advocating for reconciliation and unity. Ultimately, leaders stressed that the Temple’s vision and Tisha B’Av’s mission extend to “all people of moral conscience to work together to bring goodness and dispel hate.”