Rabbi's Study

What is Tisha B'Av?

Tisha B'Av, which takes place on the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, is a day of mourning to commemorate the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people - many of which have occurred on this day throughout history.

The main events remembered are the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem, both of which were destroyed on the ninth of Av, the first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E., and the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.

But there were other tragedies as well that have occurred throughout history on this fateful day. In 135 C.E., the Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Israel's Roman rulers. In 1492, then King and Queen of Spain issued an order expelling all Jews, which put an end to one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in Europe. In 1942, the Nazis began deporting Jews in Poland's Warsaw Ghetto to the death camps.

In fact, Tisha B'Av is the culmination of a period of mourning that begins three weeks earlier with the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, which commemorates the breach of the city walls of Jerusalem that led to the destruction of the First Temple. During this period, known as "The Three Weeks," weddings and other parties and joyous festivals are not permitted. Jews refrain from eating meat or drinking wine, and from wearing new clothing.

On Tisha B'Av itself, the restrictions are similar to those on Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement" on which Jews pray for forgiveness for their sins. These rules are meant to draw attention to the solemn nature of Tisha B'Av. All activities that are joyful or pleasurable, or that are done for personal satisfaction and adornment, are to be avoided. These include eating and drinking, washing, bathing, shaving or wearing cosmetics. Work is prohibited, and many of the traditional mourning practices are observed - people refrain from laughter and idle conversation, and from sitting on comfortable chairs. Even learning Torah, other than texts that deal directly with the subject of mourning, is prohibited, since studying God's word is considered a pleasurable activity.

In synagogue, lights are dimmed and candles are lit. We read from the book of Lamentations, and the cantor leads prayers in a low, mournful voice, reminding us of the Divine Presence that departed the Holy Temple with its destruction. The ark (cabinet where the Torah is kept) is draped in black.

The terrible events we remember on Tisha B'Av remind us of the need to always pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the safety of the Jewish people. As we approach this solemn day, I hope you will join me in a show of solidarity with Israel and her people by recommitting yourself to pray for Israel's peace and security.