7 somber films to stave off hunger on Tisha B’Av

Like many Jewish customs, the origins of the tradition to watch Holocaust movies on Tisha B’Av — the Jewish day of mourning for the temples in Jerusalem — are rather murky. What is clear is that the unofficial practice has gained a sort of cult popularity among Jewish communities the world over.

Jewish tradition prohibits eating or drinking from sundown on the eve of Tisha B’Av until sundown the following evening. In addition, other laws of mourning are observed, such as sitting close to the ground, avoiding comfortable shoes, listening to music, and even refraining from washing beyond what is necessary for basic hygiene. It’s a time to reflect on the tragedies that befell the Jews and strengthen our sense of unity and peoplehood.

However, unlike Yom Kippur, electricity use is allowed on Tish B’Av. With that in mind, Holocaust movies are a logical way to help pass the time on a fast day that falls perilously close to the summer solstice (at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere) without sacrificing the somber spirit of the day.

The following is a list of films that have served us well in the past.

7. “The Diary of Anne Frank” (1959)

This familiar story never gets any less heartbreaking, and the 1959 version by director George Stevens is simply a good movie regardless when you choose to watch it. Though it achieved popularity, some of the younger crowd may have missed this one.

6. “Sophie’s Choice” (1982)

Based on the novel of the same name, this classic featuring a young Meryl Streep highlights the lingering psychological effects that the Holocaust had, tormenting survivors for years even as they tried to begin new lives across the world.

5. “Paper Clips” (2004)

A contemporary documentary follows students and teachers in a small town as they learn about the gravity of the Holocaust. “Paper Clips” can teach us all about learning empathy , something especially relevant today, when we often forget about the ongoing genocides occurring around the world.

4. “God on Trial” (2008)

While awaiting their eventual extermination, a group of Auschwitz inmates forms a rabbinical court and bears witness against God. The crime: murder. As the verse in Psalms says, “I cry out to You from the depths,” and this is a case in point.

3. “Remembrance” (2008) German, with English subtitles

“Remembrance” is based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor living in New York. The film takes her backwards in time through a series of traumatic flashbacks after she finds out that someone she thought long-dead is still alive. It’s a movie that is not afraid to involve itself in some of the gritty details indirectly surrounding the mass murder of the Holocaust.

2. “Life is Beautiful” (1998)

Roberto Benigni is really funny in this film — and that’s the thing. The bluntness of the tragedy wouldn’t be nearly as stark without his hilarious performance as a contrast. Together, the two create a powerful emotional journey that no other Holocaust film has reproduced.

1. “Schindler’s List” (1993)

The fact that you’re rolling your eyes right now is precisely why this movie is on the list. Unlike other movies, “Schindler’s List” doesn’t sugarcoat the tragedy of the Holocaust or water it down with Hollywood melodrama. And because the massive cruelty inflicted upon the Jews is as much a part of this story as any other thread — and because it’s so realistically depicted — “Schindler’s List” might be the most educational of any popular Holocaust movie. It might be a cliche, but that’s why you’ve been overlooking it all these years. My recommendation — give it another watch.