Keeping Kids Engaged on Tisha B'Av: 5 Meaningful Ideas

Tisha B'Av is the Jewish people's national day of mourning, commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples. This rabbinic fast falls on the 9th of Av and lasts from sunset until the following nightfall.

As the most solemn day of the Bein HaMetzarim period, Tisha B'Av can be especially challenging for children. They may struggle to understand the significance of the day or simply find the long hours difficult and boring.

With a little creativity, however, you can help your children connect to the meaning of Tisha B'Av while keeping them engaged in age appropriate activities. Here are five ideas to make the day more meaningful for the whole family.

Draw the Beit HaMikdash

Invite your children to draw the Beit HaMikdash as they imagine it. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about the day through art using crayons, colored pencils, paints, markers, or any craft supplies you have at home.

This simple activity opens the door to meaningful conversations while allowing children to connect emotionally with what they are learning.

Build a Temple Craft

Create a hands on project that explores both the destruction of the Temple and the hope for its rebuilding.

Older children may enjoy constructing a model of the Beit HaMikdash using cardboard, colored paper, glue, and paint. Younger children can create their own version of the Western Wall by gluing paper "stones" onto a page.

Adapt the activity to each child's age and abilities, focusing on creativity rather than perfection.

Read Stories About the Temple

Before Tisha B'Av, consider borrowing or purchasing children's books about the Beit HaMikdash.

Stories help children understand why the Temple was so important to the Jewish people and why we continue to mourn its destruction today. After all, it's difficult to miss something you've never learned about.

For older children, you can also read age appropriate stories about the destruction itself and discuss the lessons we can learn from that period in Jewish history.

Build With LEGO or Blocks

If your children enjoy building, challenge them to create their own model of the Beit HaMikdash using LEGO, magnetic tiles, Kapla blocks, Kliks, or any other construction toys you have at home.

It's a wonderful opportunity to see their imagination at work as they recreate the Temple and its sacred vessels in their own unique way.

Screen Time With Purpose

If your family allows screen time on Tisha B'Av, choose educational programs that reflect the spirit of the day rather than simply serving as entertainment.

Age appropriate videos and documentaries about the Beit HaMikdash or Jewish history can help children better understand the significance of the fast while giving parents a chance to rest during the long day.

Tisha B'Av offers a unique opportunity to teach children about one of the most significant events in Jewish history. Through stories, crafts, art, and meaningful conversations, you can help them develop a deeper appreciation for the Beit HaMikdash and strengthen their connection to the day.

Even setting aside a small part of the fast for these activities can make Tisha B'Av more meaningful for the entire family.