Tisha B'Av

What Is Tisha B’Av?

Tisha B’Av is an annual day of mourning and fasting within Judaism, observed on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av. It is considered the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, commemorating a long history of tragedies that have occurred on or around this date. The central focus of the observance is the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

This solemn day involves a 25-hour fast, similar in duration and stringency to Yom Kippur. Beyond abstinence from food and drink, Tisha B’Av also includes other prohibitions designed to amplify the sense of communal sorrow and reflection. These practices encourage introspection into the causes and consequences of past national calamities.

History and Origins of Tisha B’Av

The historical origins of Tisha B’Av are deeply rooted in the foundational narratives of the Jewish people. The most prominent event commemorated is the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. Centuries later, on the exact same date, the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. These two events profoundly impacted Jewish history and religious practice, leading to the establishment of the fast day.

Beyond the Temple destructions, numerous other catastrophic events are historically associated with Tisha B’Av. These include the decree against the Israelites entering the Land of Israel following the sin of the spies (circa 1313 BCE), the fall of Beitar during the Bar Kokhba revolt in 135 CE, and the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290. Later, the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 also occurred around this period of the year.

The cumulative nature of these tragedies, occurring on or near the 9th of Av, solidified its designation as a principal day of national mourning. Prophetic texts and rabbinic tradition link these occurrences to perceived moral failings or communal strife, underscoring themes of repentance and unity. The establishment of Tisha B’Av as a fast day served to institutionalise remembrance and encourage future rectification.

How Tisha B’Av Is Celebrated

Observance of Tisha B’Av commences at sunset on the 8th of Av and concludes at nightfall on the 9th of Av, lasting approximately 25 hours. During this period, a range of ascetic practices are undertaken by participants. The primary observance is a complete fast, involving abstinence from all food and drink.

Further prohibitions are in place to reflect the somber nature of the day. These include abstaining from washing or bathing, anointing oneself with oils or lotions, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. In synagogues, the curtain (parochet) over the Ark is often removed or replaced with a dark cloth, and lights are dimmed. Traditional greetings are often avoided, and people sit on low stools or the floor as a sign of mourning.

During synagogue services, the biblical Book of Lamentations (Eichah) is read aloud. This text recounts the destruction of Jerusalem and its aftermath. Additionally, a collection of liturgical poems called Kinnot are recited. These elegies detail the various historical tragedies that have afflicted the Jewish people, reinforcing the collective memory of sorrow and loss.

When Is Tisha B’Av?

Tisha B’Av is observed annually on the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av. As the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, its dates vary each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. The holiday typically falls in July or August.

The fast begins at sunset on the evening preceding the 9th of Av and concludes at nightfall on the 9th of Av. If the 9th of Av falls on a Shabbat (Saturday), the fast is deferred by one day and observed on the 10th of Av, ending on the night of the 10th. This deferral is because fasting and open mourning are generally prohibited on Shabbat, which is a day of rest and joy.

Tisha B’Av Key Facts