On the Derekh’s latest publication is a prayer book for the Jewish national day of mourning, Tishah BeAv. In today's age, a large number of Sephardic Jews find it challenging to relate to Tishah BeAv in concept and practice. As we solemnly sing kinot throughout the day, many of us lack a deep understanding of their poetic structures and meaningful lessons. Considering the significance of this gap, and the fact that it has not been filled by any other siddur in the greater Sephardic community, many rabbis encouraged me to prioritize this project. We hope that Siddur Rachel Mevakah will fill the void and bring some light to this dark day.

This Tishah BeAv prayer book is for all Sepharadim. The prayers follows the Moroccan Sephardic tradition with the inclusion of Edot HaMizrach customs (where they differ). All Hebrew prayer services of Tishah BeAv are included — Arvit, Shacharit, Minchah, and Motzaé Tishah BeAv. The structure and style of the book follows Siddur Tefillat Shemuel — Benmergui Edition and features English instructions, translation of all the prayers and kinot (all 138 of them!), commentary, halakhot (Laws & Customs sections), and sources on the margins.

The Tishah BeAv siddur is called “Rachel Mevakah” in memory of Raquel Abecassis Kassin, z"l.