This year crafting for Tisha B'Av just didn't happen in our house I'm sorry to say. The holiday just snuck up on us, and I just didn't have the time or energy to do a project with my kids, especially given my very busy schedule of late. And truthfully, I love to craft with my kids in anticipation of the joyful holidays on the Jewish calender, and since Tisha B'Av is anything but joyful, it's sort of more in keeping with the holiday and our customs not to do anything at all.
Granted, I probably feel that way this year as I have been very busy and the last few weeks have been very hot.....so I'm exhausted! Nonetheless, I know some of you may be looking for projects to do with your kids on the actual holiday, or possibly today or tomorrow, so here's a few ideas from previous years that might be helpful!
So how about colored-salt filled jars adorned with drawings of Jerusalem (top) or a tissue paper collage of Jerusalem (above) or even a fun way to make a Jerusalem mural with crumpled tissue paper (below)?
And whether you choose to teach your children about Tisha B'Av through crafting, or reserve your crafting for the more joyful holidays, do take the time to explain to them why this day, on which the Jewish people have been mourning for thousands of years, is still 100% relevant to us today! (You can read more about this holiday in my post from last year here.)
All the best, and for those who are fasting, may you have an easy and yet meaningful fast!
