Tisha B'av 22

What is Tisha B'av

The saddest day on the Jewish calendar is the Ninth of Av, "Tisha b'Av," the date on which both our Holy Temples were destroyed, and exile, persecution and spiritual darkness began.

Tisha b'Av starts at sundown of the eighth of Av and lasts till the following nightfall. During this time-period we fast, eschew pleasurable activities and amenities, and lament the destruction of the Holy Temple and our nation’s exile.

It is a tradition, however, that Tisha b'Av is also the birthday of our Redeemer. This symbolizes the idea that from the ashes of the destroyed temple will rise an incomparably magnificent edifice; exile will give birth to redemption. Thus Tisha b’Av is also a day of anticipation and hope, for "One who mourns Jerusalem will merit seeing her happiness."

Basic Laws of Tisha B'av

Besides fasting, we abstain from additional pleasures: washing, applying lotions or creams, wearing leather footwear, and marital relations. Until midday, we sit on the floor or on low stools. We also abstain from studying Torah—besides those parts that discuss the destruction of the Temple.

On the eve of Tisha b’Av, we gather in the synagogue to read the Book of Lamentations. Tallit and tefillin are not worn during the morning prayers. After the morning prayers we recite Kinot (elegies). We don the tallit and tefillin for the afternoon prayers.

For more about Tisha B'av, click here.

	What happened on the Ninth of Av? A Historical Overview The 9th of Av, Tisha b'Av, commemorates a list of catastrophes so severe it's clearly a day specially cursed by G‑d. Another confirmation of our deeply held conviction that history isn't haphazard.
	Tisha B'Av That Falls on Shabbat or Sunday On Shabbat, all public displays of mourning are strictly prohibited. This causes changes in many of the Tisha B'Av laws and customs.
	The Laws of Mourning As part of our mourning for the destruction of the Temple and the exile of Israel, we abstain from many pleasurable activities on the night and day of Av 9, first and foremost: eating and drinking.
	Order of the Day A Step-By-Step Guide to Tisha b'Av Observance The Separation Meal, the Book of Lamentations, elegies, prayers, Torah Readings, the break-fast, and more.

History The Destruction of the Temples  The First Temple The Second Temple The Fall of Betar	The Holy Temple Virtual Tour of the Holy Temple  Tour the Holy Temple Readings & Insights In Depth
Insights Thoughts and Reflections  The Pinch Why We Mourn Good Grief More...	Multimedia Audio and Video The Holy Temple Siege of Jerusalem The 17th of Tammuz More...