(Courtesy of Cong. Shomrei Emunah) How do you turn the saddest day on the Jewish calendar into one with fun but meaningful activities for children? Rabbi Shlomo Hyman, associate rabbi of Englewood’s Congregation Emunah, led an afternoon program for children on Tisha B’Av that included discussion, crafts and a video designed to engage and educate. The program was free and open to all. Children came from Teaneck, Bergenfield and Englewood.

The children’s ages ranged from 6-14 and all were able to participate. After a discussion about what happened on Tisha B’Av and why we mourn each year, the children completed Jerusalem-themed craft projects and watched an informative video.

“The purpose was to give children a feel of what Tisha B’Av is about and feel the mourning of the day,” Rabbi Hyman explained. “But we did it in an enjoyable way. It was fantastic. All the children contributed to the discussion from youngest to oldest.”

For more information about the shul, visit www.shomreiemunahnj.org.