5 Kid-Friendly Films to Watch This Tisha B’Av

Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of Av, is a day of mourning and remembrance for Jewish families, marking the destruction of the two temples in Jerusalem in 586 B.C.E. and 70 C.E. This day is always somber, but it carries extra weight when times are particularly turbulent.

Typically, many Jewish families in America use this day to watch films that recount the persecution of Jews. This year, in addition to Holocaust and antisemitism-themed films, many are also tuning into recent documentaries that detail the suffering of Israelis, Jews, and Palestinians since Oct. 7.

However, for families with young children who might not fully understand the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Holocaust, or the destruction of the temples, there are still ways to convey themes of grief and suffering through film.

Assistant Professor David Menendez from the University of California Santa-Cruz notes that showing these films can open up important conversations that children might already be curious about.

Menendez, who has researched depictions of grief in animated films as part of his PhD, believes that children’s films can facilitate discussions about death and introduce specific religious or spiritual beliefs.

“A lot of work on how children grieve has shown that being able to have conversations with their parents about that topic is really, really useful for them,” he added.

With this knowledge in mind, here are some films suitable for young children on this somber day. They might not be ready for Schindler’s List at Jewish summer camp, but these movies can still help them understand and process their emotions.

1. Inside Out (2015)

A modern classic that helps kids understand emotions, Inside Out is the perfect film to watch on a day when joy and celebration are set aside.

With a powerful message about embracing all emotions, not just the happy ones, it’s no wonder the film is a staple in school counseling and children’s therapy sessions. Sadness, depicted as a cozy character, makes it easier for kids to accept and talk about their feelings.

Age Recommendation: Inside Out is recommended for children ages 6+.

2. An American Tail (1986)

If Stephen Schwartz got his hands on a copy of Maus, it might look like this animated classic. An American Tail follows the Mousekevitz family as they escape pogroms in Russia and immigrate to America.

This film uses mice and cats to depict the real-life hardships of Jewish history, such as persecution and poverty. Sadly, the Mousekevitzes learn that there are cats in America, just as there are antisemites in the modern day.

Age Recommendation: An American Tail is recommended for children ages 5+.

3. The Lion King (1994)

Many early Disney films tackle tough subjects, but The Lion King stands out for its depiction of grief through a child’s eyes.

With a storyline inspired by the Old Testament stories of Joseph and Moses, the movie reflects themes of leadership, exile, and the reclaiming of a rightful place, resonating strongly with Jewish history.

Age Recommendation: The Lion King is recommended for ages 6+.

4. Where Is Anne Frank (2022)

Ari Folman’s animated film Where Is Anne Frank imagines Anne’s diary friend, Kitty, as an outspoken girl in contemporary Amsterdam. Kitty’s adventures link the past with the present, making the Holocaust’s tragedy accessible for young audiences.

Folman’s film engages young viewers in thinking about dehumanization and “othering” today, making it a valuable tool for conversations about historical and ongoing grief.

Age Recommendation: Where Is Anne Frank is recommended for ages 9+.

5. Coco (2017)

While Coco centers on Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos rather than Jewish history, its themes of death and family legacy make it a suitable film for Tisha B’Av.

The film depicts the afterlife as a vibrant place and teaches viewers not to fear death, but to embrace life and family – a teaching that aligns closely with Jewish values.

Age Recommendation: Coco is recommended for ages 7+.

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Source: particlenews.com, kveller.com