Tisha B’Av (the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av) begins at sunset on Saturday, July 17, and continues until the evening of Sunday, July 18.
What is Tisha B’Av?
Tisha B’Av is the major day of communal mourning. First and foremost Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of both the first and second temples in Jerusalem (586 B.C.E, and 70 C.E respectively), but many other travesties have occurred on the same date.
How is Tisha B’Av observed?
On Tisha B’Av Eicha (the book of Lamentations) is read with a unique nusah, a special melody.
As a sign of mourning it is customary to fast, refrain from bathing, wearing leather shoes, and having sexual relations.
Learn more about Tisha B’Av rituals and practices.
Watch a recording of My Jewish Learning’s class on The Rituals of Tisha B’Av, led by Dafna Siegman.
