This weekend, the Jewish people mark Tisha B’Av—the Ninth of Av on the Hebrew calendar. It is one of the saddest days in Jewish history.
On this very day, the First Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. Centuries later, the Second Temple was also destroyed on the very same date. Over the centuries, Tisha B’Av also became associated with many other tragedies that befell the Jewish people—times of persecution, expulsions, pogroms, and suffering that left deep scars on our nation.
Because of this painful history, many people across Israel spend this day fasting, mourning, and praying for God’s mercy.
As believers in Yeshua, what does Tisha B’Av mean for us?
The Bible tells us, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6). This day reminds us that God’s dealings with Israel are not merely events recorded in history. They are part of His unfolding redemptive plan, and they still speak to us today.
The destruction of both Temples was not a coincidence. It reminds us that when people turn away from God, they leave themselves vulnerable to the consequences of sin and to the work of the enemy. Tisha B’Av is a sobering reminder that we all need to remain close to the Lord, seeking Him, worshipping Him, and walking faithfully in His ways.
That message is not only for Israel. It is for every nation and every generation.
Whenever we drift from the Lord, we leave room for the enemy to bring destruction. That is why Scripture continually calls us back—to seek God with all our hearts, to trust Him, and to remain faithful to Him. His desire has always been to draw people into a relationship with Himself.
This year, these prayers carry even greater significance. Israel is still at war. Families continue to grieve. Soldiers remain on the front lines, and many are living with uncertainty each day. More than ever, this is a time to stand with Israel and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Normally on Shabbat, I enjoy sharing an especially joyful and encouraging message. This week is different because Tisha B’Av is a solemn day in the life of our nation. Yet even in the midst of mourning, we are not without hope.
The same God who warned Israel through the prophets also promised that He would restore His people. He promised to gather the Jewish people back to their land, rebuild the ancient ruins, and remain faithful to His covenant. Today, we are privileged to witness the fulfillment of those promises as God continues to restore Israel before our very eyes.
Our hope has never been in circumstances. Our hope is in the faithfulness of God.
He restores not because we deserve it, but because of His great mercy and everlasting love. And that mercy has been revealed most fully through His Son, Yeshua the Messiah, who gave His life so that all who believe in Him—Jew and Gentile alike—can be reconciled to God.
As we enter this Shabbat, let us continue to pray for Israel, for the peace of Jerusalem, for our own nations, our neighborhoods, and our families. May we be people who remain close to the Lord, trust His promises, and never lose sight of the hope we have in Him.
Shabbat Shalom, and may the Lord bless you.
Pastor Israel Pochtar
