mourning

Judaism has communal fasts that are not on the yearly calendar and numerous occasions when individuals may choose to fast.

Fast days are acknowledged in the synagogue liturgy.

Many of the stringent restrictions that apply on Tisha B'Av and Yom Kippur do not apply to the minor fasts.

A brief description of all the minor fasts on the Jewish calendar.

Tisha B'Av, the ninth day of the month of Av, is the major day of communal mourning in the Jewish calendar.

The Jewish calendar has a number of such days in addition to Yom Kippur.

This pre-Passover fast applies to a select few.

On Tisha B'Av, re-enacting the sorrow felt by those who survived the destruction of the Temple

The ancient practice of tearing clothes is a tangible expression of grief and anger in the face of death.

Following shiva, the sheloshim period of less intensive mourning lasts until the 30th day after the funeral.