Holidays - Tisha B'Av

Literally, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE. We remember the destruction of Jewish life in Israel and the resulting exile of the Jewish people from their land on this solemn day of mourning and fasting. The prophet Jeremiah who witnessed the destruction and lived through exile chronicled his experience in what became the biblical book of Eikha (Lamentations). The reading of Eikha by candle light on Tisha B’Av is one of the special mitzvot associated with this summer fast day.

For more information on the observance of Tisha B’Av and insights into Megillat Eikha, explore the articles and links below. Additional resources are available in the Beth El library and from the rabbis.

Additional Resources

MyJewishLearning.com - Gateway to Jewish Exploration

JewishEncyclopedia.com - Online Jewish Encyclopedia

Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life