Next week is the 17th of Tammuz, a fast day that begins the mournful three-week period leading up to Tisha B'Av. These events commemorate communal loss, most notably the destruction of the ancient Temples in Jerusalem.

Whatever age group or setting in which you're teaching, we have some helpful resources on Sefaria for learning about this time on the Hebrew calendar.

Eikhah (Lamentations), read publicly on Tisha B'Av, laments the destruction of the first Temple. It's available on Sefaria with several English translations, including the 1985 JPS edition, Koren Jerusalem Bible, Metsudah Five Megillot, and The Rashi Ketuvim by Rabbi Shraga Silverstein.

In the Narrow Places: Daily Inspiration for the Three Weeks by Dr. Erica Brown includes short essays and prompts for reflection for each day from the 17th of Tammuz to Tisha B'Av. The daily format makes it easy to pull individual ideas for lessons or group discussions.

The War of the Jews by Josephus Flavius documents Jewish history from the Maccabean revolt through the fall of the second Temple. Composed around 75 CE under sponsorship of the Roman Empire, it reflects a pro-Roman bias but holds historical significance as one of the only surviving sources describing the wars remembered during the Three Weeks.

The Babylonian Talmud cites a story of baseless hatred between Kamtza and Bar Kamtza as the reason for the Temple's destruction. Find the rabbinic story in Gittin 55b-57a, along with commentary from Rashi and Tosefta in English translation via the resource panel.

Looking for handpicked sources and activities? Explore the Tisha B'Av on Sefaria collection — including discussion prompts, activities, and ideas from other educators.

Have you used Sefaria's topic pages? These are a great way to explore a wide variety of sources in the library around specific themes. Try Tisha B'Av, The 17th of Tammuz, Destruction of the Temple, Lamentations, Av, or Fasting.