What to Watch This Tisha B'Av: Meaningful Videos for Reflection and Mourning

Tisha B'Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, commemorates the destruction of the Temples and other tragedies in Jewish history. It's a time for introspection, fasting, and connecting with our collective pain, especially poignant this year in the shadow of October 7th. While traditional observances include reading Kinnot and studying texts about the Churban, many turn to educational videos that delve into these themes without violating the day's restrictions. These resources can help transform the day from mere mourning into a catalyst for growth and unity.

Here are four standout recommendations for what to watch this Tisha B'Av (starting the evening of August 2nd).

Each offers deep, Torah-based insights, with options ranging from free to premium content. We've included live links to get you started.

1. Aleph Beta: Tisha B'Av After October 7th Series

Aleph Beta is a fantastic platform for animated, accessible Torah learning, and their Tisha B'Av collection is particularly powerful this year. The series "Tisha B'Av After October 7th" explores how ancient tragedies echo in modern events, helping viewers process the ongoing pain from the Hamas attacks while drawing lessons from the Torah. Rabbi David Fohrman and others guide you through thought-provoking videos like "The Past Isn't Gone," which reflects on the challenge of mourning in turbulent times.

Why watch? It's engaging, scholarly, and directly ties historical destruction to contemporary Jewish resilience. Most content is available with a subscription, but you can often access previews or sign up for a free trial.

Watch here:

1. Aleph Beta Tisha B'Av Playlist

2. Full Tisha B'Av hub

2. Hashkifa: Hidden Light – A Tisha B'Av Documentary

For those seeking inspiring stories of hashgacha pratis (divine providence) amid tragedy, Hashkifa (from Rabbi Yoel Gold) delivers premium documentaries that are perfect for Tisha B'Av. This year's feature, "Hidden Light," unravels a 2,000-year-old mystery about the Temple's destruction and hidden spiritual lights, blending storytelling with emotional depth. Previous Tisha B'Av films like "Coming Home" have focused on Jews returning to their heritage and the ultimate redemption, timely themes for a day of hope amid despair.

Note: Hashkifa is a paid platform (subscriptions start affordably), but it's worth it for the high-quality, ad-free experience. Use promo codes if available for discounts.

Watch the trailer and subscribe: Hashkifa Hidden Light

More from Rabbi Yoel Gold: Hashkifa YouTube Channel

3. Aish.com: After October 7th – Stories of Loss, Survival and Unbreakable Faith

Aish.com, known for its outstanding, free, user-friendly Jewish education, has released another masterful, heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful and uber inspiring film, in true Aish fashion.

This follows the success of last year's Aish film, "October 7th: Voices of Pain, Hope, and Heroism." Hosted by Jamie Geller, this powerful film follows five families' journeys of resilience after the October 7 attacks, exploring themes of loss, faith, and heroism without graphic visuals, making it suitable for the day's somber mood. It's a heartfelt way to connect the recent tragedy to Tisha B'Av's legacy of Jewish suffering and survival.

Why watch? It's completely free, accessible, and directly addresses the "why" questions many are grappling with post-October 7.

- Stream October 7th: Voices of Pain, Hope, and Heroism for free: Aish Tisha B'Av Film

- Full video on YouTube: October 7th: Voices of Pain, Hope, and Heroism

4. Living Lchaim Presents 'A Mourning After'

Living Lchaim's Tisha B'Av Film 2024: A Year of Tragedy

Watch it here

As you prepare for Tisha B'Av, remember that the goal is meaningful engagement, choose content that resonates and perhaps discuss it with family or friends after the fast. May this day lead us closer to redemption and peace.