RNS Morning Report - Tisha B’Av rituals evolve for modern Jewish grief

As Jews mark Tisha B’Av, ancient mourning rituals make room for modern grief As Jews across the world observe Tisha B’Av, the annual fast mourning the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, many will also grieve modern-day tragedies. The holiday, which began at sundown Wednesday (July 22) and ends Thursday at sunset, is observed as Judaism’s central day of communal mourning. Centuries-long tradition contributes to an evolving memory of the fast day through liturgical poems recited in synagogues. After the Oct. 7 massacre, new liturgical works appeared almost immediately. This year, the holiday arrives as many Jews continue to process multiple crises in “a world that feels especially fragile and unsettled,” Rabbi Or Rose of Hebrew College in Newton, Mass. told reporter Kyle Desrosiers-Levine. “Tisha B’Av is about how we carry loss now, and how memory can become a stimulus for moral and spiritual introspection and renewal,” Rose said.           Top Stories As Jews mark Tisha B’Av, ancient mourning rituals make room for modern grief (RNS) — ‘October 7 will definitely be in my mind, but Tisha B'Av also gives you the long view of Jewish history,’ Rabbi Diana Fersko said. ‘This isn’t a peacekeeping initiative — this is a terror campaign’: Texas faith leaders condemn ICE deaths AUSTIN, Texas (RNS) — A news conference inside the state Capitol brought together about two dozen leaders from the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ, the National Council of Jewish Women and other faith-related groups. After another Texas flood, faith helps traumatized first responders endure KERR COUNTY, Texas (RNS) — The vigilance of the first responders was one of many reasons this year’s storms brought fewer human casualties. But the preparation and quick response was tinged with sadness — knowing what to do was a stark reminder that last year caught so many by surprise.  Photos of the Week: A Buddhist monk and his dog, earthquake recovery efforts (RNS) — Each week RNS presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. This week’s photo selection includes a Buddhist monk who led a Walk for Peace, recovery efforts after earthquakes in Venezuela and more. Opinion Pope Leo’s Eucharistic answer to the age of AI (RNS) — 'The Eucharist opens us to justice and sharing, with a preferential concern for those who are burdened by poverty or marginalization,' the pope writes. ICYMI Inside a Brooklyn church where immigration activism is the gospel (RNS) — From encrypted apps to legal clinics: How an immigrant-majority church is responding to protect its congregation. SBC leaders called an abuse crisis a hoax. Abuse survivors want an apology. (RNS) — In an open letter, a group of survivors and advocates say that comments by SBC President Willy Rice and Texas pastor Jack Graham make it harder to address the issue of abuse in churches. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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