As the crisis in Ukraine continues, smaller than usual crowds gathered in synagogues to mourn the destruction of the Batei Mikdash (Temples) as well as the destruction of much of Jewish life in Ukraine.

As the situation in Ukrainian cities continues, Jews gathered in synagogues to commemorate the destruction of the Batei Mikdash, led by the community rabbis who had returned to their communities.

Together with mourning the destruction in the past, the Ukrainian Jews also mourned their personal tragedy – the destruction of much of Jewish life in the country, and the loss of many Jewish lives due to the crisis.

“This time Tisha B’av took on an additional meaning,” said one of the rabbis. “There are synagogues in the country that have become desolate since the crisis broke out. Even the ones that are still functioning are not operating at nearly the same capacity as they used to.”

“On the other hand, the fact that the Jewish ember is still burning here despite everything that happened and is still going on, can only be described as a miracle,” he said.

In Zaporizhzhia, which made headlines a number of times, only 17 Jews came to hear Eicha at the local synagogue, JCC, and Chabad House.

“Last year there were 70 Jews here on Tisha B’Av,” says the city’s Chief Rabbi Nachum Ehrentreu. “This year, the situation is totally different.”

Yet, despite all that is taking place, the Jewish communities across Ukraine are already preparing for the upcoming start of the school year and the festive month of Tishrei, planning to provide physically and spiritually for the many Jews who are still in the country.

Base on article by Anash.org reporter