The Orthodox Union has introduced a new kinnah (liturgical poem of mourning) to be recited on Tisha B'Av, commemorating the tragic events of Oct. 7, 2023. Written by Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, the kinnah may soon become part of the the annual prayers in synagogues across the US, adding a contemporary layer of grief to the traditional observances.
Kinnot are typically recited on Tisha B'Av, the annual fast day marking various tragedies in Jewish history, most notably the destruction of both temples in Jerusalem. The poems express deep mourning and lamentation, allowing worshippers to connect emotionally with historical calamities.
Who would've believed a year ago that we would be adding a new Kinnah for Tisha Ba'av!
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— Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky (@TechRav) August 8, 2024
Hauer's new kinnah poignantly captures the horror and anguish of the Oct. 7 attacks. It begins with the following heart-wrenching verses, "For these, I cry and moan / outside, there is murder, and indoors, terror / in Be'eri and Re'im, Kfar Aza and Sderot/ our corpses strewn, nude and naked / bodies lying like refuse for wild beasts and animals / nursing children and the aged, young men and women / tormented by our attackers, enduring great shame."
The kinnah also reflects on the painful irony of the attack occurring on Simchat Torah, a typically joyous holiday, saying, The festival of Simchat Torah was transformed into a day of tragedy / the day we had hoped to celebrate the gift of G-d's truth to our People / instead since that day our eyes flow with tears, we cry and shake our heads in disbelief / the nation of the precious Torah who pursues peace and a flourishing world / is depicted as corrupt murderers by the world around us / the light unto the nations dwells in darkness / for this we certainly mourn."
