Soon we will be fasting on Tishah B’Av for the 1,948th time, mourning all that was lost to us during the Churban. That’s a long, long time.

Our Sages tell us, “Those who mourn the Beis HaMikdash will merit to see it rebuilt.” If we want the galus to end, we must mourn it properly. Here are some books that will help us mourn — and allow us, with Hashem’s help, to finally celebrate redemption.

Rav Chaim on the Three Weeks: Written by Rabbi Avraham Yeshayah Shteinman, grandson of Rav Chaim shlita and Rav Aharon Leib Steinman zt”l, this popular work includes Rav Chaim’s piskei halachah on the Three Weeks, Nine Days, and Tishah B’Av; the personal practices or Rav Chaim, the Chazon Ish and the Steipler; Rav Chaim’s comments on Megillas Eichah; the haftarahs of the Three Weeks, and selected Kinnos, as well as his teachings on mourning, consolation, and the coming of Mashiach.  Interspersed throughout is a wealth of stories told by Rav Chaim himself.

The ArtScroll Eichah, translated and with commentary by Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz z”l: One of ArtScroll’s first classics, and still a bestseller, this work makes Megillas Eichah accessible like none other. Includes an Overview by Rabbi Nosson Scherman.

The ArtScroll Kinnos/Tishah B’Av Siddur: If anything captures the tragedy of the Churban, it is the Kinnos, composed to lament the destruction of both Temples and other tragedies in our history. This translation and commentary make the Kinnos understandable and meaningful, and the book includes the full prayer service for the entire Tishah B’Av.

The Schottenstein Edition Interlinear Kinnos/Tishah B’Av Siddur: With its word-by-word translation directly beneath the original Hebrew, the reader can recite the Kinnos in Hebrew while easily following the translation. Also includes the complete interlinear prayer service for Tishah B’Av, interlinear Megillas Eichah, Torah readings for Tishah B’Av, and laws of the fast.

The Kleinman Edition Midrash Rabbah on Megillas Eichah: In the Midrash Rabbah on Megillas Eichah, we share the Sages’ profound insights on the dreadful moments when the Temple burned and on the events that led to the catastrophe. Available in regular and compact sizes.

The Laws of Daily Living: The Three Weeks, Tishah B’Av, and Other Fasts: Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen teaches the laws of fast days (except Yom Kippur), the restrictions of the Three Weeks and Nine Days, and the laws of Tishah B’Av.

May we all merit seeing the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash soon in our days!