Tisha B’Av, observed annually on the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av, is a solemn Jewish fast day commemorating numerous tragedies, most notably the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It’s a day for introspection and mourning. Take time to reflect on history, engage in communal prayer, and learn about Jewish resilience.
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Tisha B’Av is a day of profound mourning and fasting, not typically associated with commercial deals or promotions. Instead, the focus is on spiritual reflection and communal remembrance. Jewish organizations, synagogues, and educational institutions often host special services, study sessions, and lectures to deepen understanding of the day’s significance. Contributions to Jewish charities, particularly those supporting education, historical preservation, or community welfare, are encouraged. We will update this page with information on community events and educational resources as July approaches.
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Rabbi Akiva
History of Tisha B'Av
Tisha B’Av has a catastrophic history that is still remembered by Jews across the world. This is why the day of mourning is observed religiously every year. Apart from fasting and praying, Tisha B’Av also serves the purpose of recalling the sufferings the Jewish people went through to obtain the status they have in the world today. It all started when Jews were awaiting to find a way into the Promised Land. Alas, they received no hope of beginning their new lives in Israel. This was followed by the first blow to the Jewish faith when the First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians. During this invasion, almost 100,000 Jews were killed and the survivors were exiled. Around 133 A.D., the Romans built the city of Aelia Capitolina on the sacred site.
Then came the time when the Roman Empire reigned the land. During this era, the Second Temple was also destroyed and over 2,500,000 Jews died as a result of war, famine, and disease. About 100,000 Jews were captured and sold as slaves by Romans for labor and blood sport. This, however, was not the end of the calamities faced by Jews as, around the year 1095, the First Crusade was declared by Pope Urban II. This war led to the death of thousands of Jews, while others were displaced from their homes and continued to live a life of fear and turmoil. One of the final blows to the Jewish faith was the Holocaust in Germany where one-third of the world’s Jewish population was escorted to death’s door.
Tisha B'Av timeline
Jews receive frightening reports about the Promised Land.
The Babylonians burn the first temple.
Jews are cast out of England.
Spain banishes the Jews.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Tisha B'Av
Local businesses, particularly those in areas with significant Jewish populations, can acknowledge Tisha B’Av by showing respect for the solemnity of the day. This might involve adjusting operating hours, offering quiet spaces for reflection, or sharing educational resources about the holiday’s significance. Restaurants could offer special pre-fast or post-fast meal options, while bookstores might feature titles on Jewish history and resilience. The key is respectful engagement that supports community observance.
Tisha B'Av FAQs
When is Tisha B'Av?
Tisha B’Av 2026 begins at sundown on Wednesday, July 22, and concludes at nightfall on Thursday, July 23. This solemn day marks the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
What is the significance of Tisha B'Av?
Tisha B’Av is considered the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, commemorating a series of national tragedies that befell the Jewish people throughout history, all occurring on or around the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av. This includes the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE and the Second Temple in 70 CE.
How is Tisha B'Av observed?
Observance of Tisha B’Av includes a 25-hour fast, beginning at sundown on July 22 and ending at nightfall on July 23. Other prohibitions include washing, anointing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. Observers typically sit on low stools or the floor and recite the Book of Lamentations (Eichah).
Why is Tisha B'Av often associated with the destruction of the Temples?
The destruction of both the First Temple (by the Babylonians) and the Second Temple (by the Romans) on the 9th of Av, centuries apart, are the central events commemorated. These destructions led to exile and profound shifts in Jewish life, making them pivotal to the day’s solemnity.
How to Observe Tisha B'Av
Fast on the day
According to the religious tradition, all Jews must fast on this day to express the sorrow they feel due to the destruction brought on the people of the Torah.
Read the Torah
It is essential for Jews to pray and remember God throughout the day. They believe that reading the Torah brings them closer to their creator.
Visit the synagogue
To participate in worship, visit the synagogue and spend as much time there as you want. Also, being around other mourning individuals will make you realize you aren’t alone.
5 Facts You Need To Know About Tisha B'Av
Abstinence
Jews also abstain from sexual activity on this day.
Restrictions
Shaving and applying cosmetics are not permitted.
The pre-fast meal
The pre-fast meal or ‘seudah ha-mafaseket’ means ‘meal of separation.’
No smiles
The Jews are expected to refrain from smiling, laughter, and idle conversation.
Getting ready for the fast
The pre-fast meal traditionally contains bread, water, and a hard-boiled egg dipped in ashes.
Why Tisha B’Av is Important
It’s an insight into Jewish history
Jewish history is tainted with death and atrocities committed against the Jews by people of other cultures and religions. It's days like these that bring the past into the present for Jewish children and people of other religions.
It highlights the atrocities committed against Jews
The day is an important reminder of all the sufferings Jews faced during this time period. This is done to show the younger Jews the importance of the day, and how long the Jews fought before they attained peace.
It teaches us not to repeat history
History can repeat itself if we don’t watch the warning signs. On Tisha B’Av, people are reminded of how hate crimes against certain religions can escalate if people don’t raise their voices.
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