Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av History

Tisha B'Av (Hebrew: תשעה באב), which translates to the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, is a day of mourning for the Jewish community. It commemorates various tragic events in Jewish history, most notably the destruction of both the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. The Observance also recognizes tragic occurrences such as the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290 and from Spain in 1492.

In America, Tisha B'Av carries unique historical significance as it underscores the importance of religious freedom for the Jewish community. The founding principles of the United States, such as freedom of religion, provided refuge for Jews to practice their faith without fear of persecution. Observing Tisha B'Av in America serves as a reminder to be grateful for the liberties granted to religious minorities, while also acknowledging the difficult history of the Jewish people.

The observance of Tisha B'Av in America typically involves fasting, prayer, and the study of Jewish texts. Fasting starts from the beginning of the ninth day of Av and lasts for about 25 hours. During this period, engaging in rejoicing activities such as listening to music, wearing festive clothes, or indulging in luxurious activities is avoided. Instead, the Jewish community spends the day in reflection and sorrow. The Talmud dictates the exact timing of Tisha B'Av, which does not differ in America compared to other countries and thus usually occurs in July or August of the Gregorian calendar. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance begins at sundown on the day before.

Top 10 Facts for Tisha B'Av in 2026

• Educational programs and communal reflections for this year’s observance often center on the theme of examining the connection between historical pain and destruction alongside the possibility of renewed creation.
• Many communities dedicate the 2026 observance to exploring the ongoing relevance of this day in modern personal and national life, bridging ancient history with contemporary experiences.
• Recognized as the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, Tisha B'Av serves as a solemn time to commemorate the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
• The observance acts as a culmination of the 'Three Weeks,' a period of increasing mourning that begins with the fast of the 17th of Tammuz.
• Participants traditionally observe a 25-hour fast, refraining from food and drink to focus entirely on mourning, prayer, and repentance.
• Beyond fasting, there are five core prohibitions observed throughout the day: no eating or drinking, no bathing or washing, no application of lotions or creams, no wearing of leather footwear, and no marital relations.
• In the synagogue, the centerpiece of the liturgy is the chanting of the Book of Lamentations, a prophetic work that mourns the exile of the Jewish people and the loss of Jerusalem.
• The day includes the recitation of Kinnot, a series of liturgical dirges that lament not only the destruction of the Temples but also other historic tragedies, including the Holocaust and various expulsions throughout history.
• Because the day is considered a time of mourning, customary greetings are suspended, and many observers refrain from work, Torah study—except for specific, somber topics—and other pleasurable activities.
• * The observance of Tisha B'Av is intentionally designed as an embodied practice, utilizing specific mourning rituals to foster a deep, communal connection to history and resilience.

In the News and Trending in the US for Tisha B'Av

Top things to do in the US for Tisha B'Av

• Listen to a Kaddish prayer (prayer for the Dead). One popular one is Kaddisch found on YouTube.
• Mourn over tragedies which occurred in the last hundred years- such as 9/11, typhoons, hurricanes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, atom bombs, starvation and famine. Consider donating to a charity that serves the victims of such tragedies.
• Attend a Synagogue Tisha B'Av service
• Fast or do a body cleanse. It is known that fasting has a beneficial effect on the body.
• Read the book of Lamentations. It poetically reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem.