On Tisha B'Av night, Jews around the world mourn the destruction of both temples in Jerusalem and the pain and suffering that the Jewish people have experienced through the generations. Join us for a dimly-lit gathering, sit on the floor and mourn the brokenness in our hearts and in our world. We will meditate on how the light gets in through the cracks and share stories of hope and resilience. The event will include chanting from the Book of Lamentations, a short guided meditation, singing and poetry reading. The event will be facilitated by Tova Birnbaum.

Tova Birnbaum is the Director of Jewish Content at the OFJCC. She was born in B'nai B'rak in an Ultra-Orthodox home, and was one of the founders of the BINA Secular Yeshiva in Tel Aviv, after serving as the Central Shlicha (emissary), Director of the North America Region of the World Zionist Organization. Tova is a teacher of Talmudic Rabbinic Literature, a Judaic studies lecturer and a Theater Midrash workshop facilitator. She is also a secular Jewish life-cycle ceremonies officiant. Tova holds a BA in Psychology and Jewish Philosophy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an MA in Theater from Tel Aviv University.

Music: Shay Rachman 
Shay Rachman is a singer and songwriter. Born in Israel, Shay is a graduate of the Berkeley/Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. He is the owner and director of Music Together Menlo Park as well as a guitar and vocals teacher. 

Out of respect for those fasting, only water will be served. Chairs will be available.

The event will include musical instruments.

Space is limited; please register in advance.