What Is Erev Tisha B’Av?
Erev Tisha B’Av refers to the evening immediately preceding Tisha B’Av, which is considered the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. Tisha B’Av itself is a major fast day commemorating numerous calamities throughout Jewish history, most notably the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Erev Tisha B’Av, commencing at sunset, marks the formal beginning of this intensified period of mourning and fasting.
During Erev Tisha B’Av, Jewish communities worldwide begin the solemn observances that will continue through the following day. This period involves a shift in daily routine, focusing on reflection, penitence, and remembrance of historical suffering. The practices observed on Erev Tisha B’Av are designed to prepare individuals for the severity of the fast and the mournful nature of Tisha B’Av itself.
History and Origins of Erev Tisha B’Av
The origins of Erev Tisha B’Av are intrinsically linked to the historical events commemorated on Tisha B’Av. Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, gained its prominence as a fast day due to a series of national tragedies occurring on or around this date. The primary events include the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE.
Rabbinic tradition further connects Tisha B’Av to other catastrophic events, such as the decree that the Israelites would wander for 40 years in the desert following the sin of the spies, the fall of Betar during the Bar Kokhba revolt in 135 CE, and the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290 and Spain in 1492. The observance of Erev Tisha B’Av developed as a preparatory period for this significant fast. Its customs, such as the Seudah Hamafseket (concluding meal) and the cessation of various activities, are rooted in ancient Jewish law and tradition, evolving over centuries to underscore the gravity of the impending day of mourning.
How Erev Tisha B’Av Is Observed
Observance of Erev Tisha B’Av begins earlier in the day, typically from midday, with a gradual cessation of joyful activities. Work may continue until late afternoon, but celebratory events are avoided. The most distinct observance of Erev Tisha B’Av is the Seudah Hamafseket, the final meal eaten before the fast begins at sunset. This meal is traditionally simple and austere, often consisting of a single hard-boiled egg and a piece of bread dipped in ashes, consumed alone while seated on a low stool or the floor, symbolising mourning.
As the sun sets, the full fast of Tisha B’Av commences. This involves abstaining from eating and drinking for over 25 hours. Additional prohibitions, similar to those on Yom Kippur, come into effect: washing, anointing with oils or lotions, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations are forbidden. In synagogues, the lights are often dimmed, and the curtain (Parochet) covering the Ark containing the Torah scrolls may be removed, symbolising the loss and destruction. The Book of Lamentations (Eicha) is recited, typically chanted in a sombre melody, and special elegies (Kinnot) are recited, detailing various tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history. Worshippers often sit on low benches or on the floor, reflecting the traditional posture of mourning.
When Is Erev Tisha B’Av?
Erev Tisha B’Av falls on the evening of the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av. In the Hebrew calendar, days begin at sunset, so Erev Tisha B’Av refers to the twilight period and night before the daylight hours of the 9th of Av. As the Hebrew calendar is a lunisolar calendar, its dates vary annually when correlated with the Gregorian calendar.
Consequently, Erev Tisha B’Av typically occurs in July or August in the Gregorian calendar. The precise date shifts each year, determined by the lunar cycles. If the 9th of Av falls on a Shabbat (Saturday), the fast is postponed to the 10th of Av, and Erev Tisha B’Av would then be the evening of the 9th of Av, leading into the fast on the 10th. This postponement ensures that the solemn fast does not directly infringe upon the joyous nature of Shabbat.
Erev Tisha B’Av Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Religious Observance (Fast Day Eve) |
| Date | Variable (Eve of the 9th day of Av on the Hebrew calendar) |
| Countries | Observed globally by Jewish communities, particularly in Israel |
| Also known as | Eve of Tisha B’Av |
| Calendar system | Hebrew Calendar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Erev Tisha B'Av?
Erev Tisha B'Av serves as the immediate preparation for Tisha B'Av, the most significant day of mourning in the Jewish calendar. It marks the commencement of the fast and intensifies the period of reflection on historical tragedies that befell the Jewish people.
What is the Seudah Hamafseket?
The Seudah Hamafseket, or "concluding meal," is the final meal eaten before the fast of Tisha B'Av begins at sunset. It is typically a simple, solitary meal often consisting of a hard-boiled egg and a piece of bread, symbolising mourning and hardship.
Are there any specific activities forbidden on Erev Tisha B'Av?
From midday on Erev Tisha B'Av, joyful activities are generally avoided. Upon the fast's commencement at sunset, restrictions similar to Yom Kippur come into effect, including abstaining from eating, drinking, bathing, anointing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations.