Judaism

Tishah BeAv: Day of national mourning

· 5 min read

Tishah BeAv (9th of Av) is the saddest day of the Jewish year. The destruction of both Temples, the fall of Betar, and other catastrophes are commemorated.

Tishah BeAv

Catastrophes

The Mishnah (Taanit 4:6) lists five events on 9 Av: (1) the decree against the spies, (2) destruction of the First Temple (586 BCE), (3) destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE), (4) fall of Betar (135 CE), (5) Jerusalem plowed.

Practices

  • 25-hour fast.
  • Sitting on the floor.
  • Reading Lamentations (Eichah) and Kinot (elegies).
  • Not studying Torah (except sad passages).
  • No greeting or gifts.

After the fast

A period of consolation begins, culminating in Rosh Hashanah.

Reading: Talmud Bavli Taanit. Book of Lamentations. Tishah BeAv Machzor.

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