Tisha B’Av

When did the Tisha B’Av start?

About Tisha B’Av Holiday

Tisha B’Av is an important Jewish holiday celebrated on the ninth day of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar. It commemorates the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem as well as other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people throughout the ages. On this day the traditional mourning customs are observed, including fasting, abstaining from pleasurable activities, and reading the book of Lamentations.

This somber holiday is marked by a spiritual focus on the fragility of life and destruction of beauty, and an emphasis on the need for repentance and refuge in God in the face of such tragedy. The two-day period of mourning begins with prayers for deliverance from suffering, and culminates in a gathering to recite the Book of Lamentations. Traditionally, this is the day when the actual destruction of the Temples is mourned, but also remembered as a chance to learn about hope in the midst of devastation.

The observance of Tisha B’Av is especially powerful in Israel where people share in the somber mood of a nation that has seen much suffering. It’s a day meant for introspection and reflection on one’s personal and national life. It’s an opportunity to reach out to those in need, to work against injustice, and to express faith in the belief that there is a better, more peaceful world possible.

Tisha B’Av – A Comprehensive Guide

Tisha B’Av is an ancient Jewish observance. It is the ninth day of the Hebrew month Av and is the most sorrowful day of the Jewish year when Jews observe a day of fasting and mourning.

“Tisha B’Av” is a significant day in the Jewish calendar, marking the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It’s observed with fasting and other mourning practices.

The day is observed by Jewish communities worldwide, rather than being exclusive to specific countries. However, the level of observance can vary based on the size and religious inclinations of each Jewish community. Here are some countries with notable Jewish communities where Tisha B’Av is observed:

• Israel: As the Jewish homeland, Israel observes Tisha B’Av on a national scale. Many businesses and entertainment venues are closed or have reduced hours, and the day is marked with somber reflection.
• United States: The U.S. has a significant Jewish population, particularly in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Synagogues and Jewish communities across the country observe Tisha B’Av.
• Canada: Canadian cities with notable Jewish populations, such as Toronto and Montreal, observe Tisha B’Av in synagogues and community centers.
• United Kingdom: Cities like London have established Jewish communities where Tisha B’Av is commemorated.
• France: The Jewish community, especially in Paris, marks Tisha B’Av.
• Russia: Despite historical challenges, the Jewish community in cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg observe this day.
• Argentina: Buenos Aires, in particular, has a sizeable Jewish community, and Tisha B’Av is observed.
• Australia: Cities like Sydney and Melbourne, with their significant Jewish communities, mark Tisha B’Av.
• South Africa: Johannesburg and Cape Town have Jewish communities that observe Tisha B’Av.
• Brazil: Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are among cities with Jewish communities that commemorate this day.
• Germany: The Jewish community, though smaller in comparison to pre-World War II numbers, still observes Tisha B’Av, especially in cities like Berlin and Frankfurt.
• Other European countries: Nations such as Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, among others, have Jewish communities that observe Tisha B’Av.

The above list is by no means exhaustive. Jewish communities in many other countries worldwide also observe Tisha B’Av. It’s essential to understand that the observance is tied to the religious community and its traditions rather than the specific nation.

History and Origin

Tisha B’Av, literally the “Ninth of Av”, is a Jewish fast day from sundown to sundown, which commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem and other calamities that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history. The ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av marks a pivotal event in Jewish history, when both the First Temple and the Second Temple in Jerusalem were destroyed, and the Jewish people dispersed into exile.

The First Temple was built by King Solomon in approximately 950 BCE, but was destroyed by the Babylonian armies in 586 BCE. The Second Temple was built in 515 BCE and destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE as part of their campaign against the Jews and sacking of Jerusalem. It is a time to remember all of the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people, including the Spanish Inquisition, the Holocaust and other more recent attacks on the Jewish people.

Significance & Meaning

Tisha B’Av holds deep meaning and significance for Jews all over the world, not only because it commemorates the destruction of the Temples, and the subsequent exile of the Jews from their homeland of Israel, but also because it symbolizes the power of hope, resilience, and faith in God. The day is a stark reminder of the fragility of Jewish life and the importance of safeguarding and protecting Jewish communities.

The day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the suffering and tragedy that Jewish history has endured, to remember the victims of these events, and to reaffirm our commitment to never forget the losses of the Jewish people. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to continue to strive for a world of peace and justice, where all peoples are able to live with dignity and security.

Traditions and Celebrations

Traditionally, Tisha B’Av is observed by abstaining from work and most other joyous activities and by spending the day of the fast in prayer and repentance. On the eve of the fast, Jews attend a special service, called the Tisha B’Av service, in which they read the Book of Lamentations, which is traditionally attributed to the Prophet Jeremiah.

Customs for the day include refraining from eating and drinking, wearing sombre clothing, not bathing, not wearing leather shoes and sitting on the floor while reciting the prayers of lamentation. Other traditional activities include listening to and reading stories of the destruction of the Temples and retelling the tragedies of Jewish history.

Geographical Spread

Tisha B’Av is observed by Jews around the world. It is especially important in Israel, where the day is treated with special solemnity and reverence. In some areas of Israel, the day also begins with the blowing of a shofar, a ram’s horn, which is sounded to signify the start of the fast.

Modern Day Observations

Today, Jewish communities observe Tisha B’Av publicly and privately. Synagogues host services of mourning and repentance, and Jews also observe the day in their own homes, by setting aside time for prayer and contemplation.

In recent years, Tisha B’Av has been marked by public campaigns for peace, justice, and understanding among people of all backgrounds. In particular, Jewish organisations have been involved in sponsoring public memorials and vigils.

Interesting Facts & Trivia

Tisha B’Av has its roots in the biblical story of the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE respectively.

It is the longest fast day of the Jewish calendar, with the fast typically lasting 25 hours.

Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning, and certain activities, such as bathing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations, are traditionally forbidden on this day.

Tisha B’Av, along with Yom Kippur, are the two days when the binding of Isaac is read in the synagogue.

Conclusion

Tisha B’Av marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history, bringing together the themes of sadness, resilience, and endurance. It serves as a reminder that although our people have suffered great tragedies throughout our history, we are still determined to survive and thrive. So on this day of mourning, let us remember those who have come before us and honor their memory with our resilience and commitment to Jewish life.

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