Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av History

Tisha B'Av is an annual day of mourning and fasting in Judaism, commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other tragic events in Jewish history. It is regarded as the saddest day in the Jewish calendar and is marked by customs such as the reading of the Book of Lamentations, refraining from activities that bring joy, and observing certain mourning practices. In addition, Tisha B'Av serves as a time to reflect on the relevance of these historical events in the present day and the importance of unity, love, and compassion in overcoming adversity.

The origins of Tisha B'Av can be traced back to biblical times, with the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, both occurring on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av. The observance highlights the historical bond between the UK and Israel, given the former's role in the establishment of the modern State of Israel, as well as the ongoing importance of maintaining strong ties between the two nations.

In the United Kingdom, Tisha B'Av is observed by Jews of various denominations, with synagogues and community centres holding special services and study sessions related to the day's themes. The fast, which lasts for 25 hours, begins at sunset and ends at nightfall the following day. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance begins at sundown on the day before.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Tisha B'Av in the UK

• Here are 10 key facts about the Tisha B'Av observance:
  
  The 2026 observance serves as a focal point for the Jewish community to reflect on both ancient catastrophes and contemporary tragedies, with many congregations increasingly integrating modern narratives of loss into their traditional commemorations.
• The observance is characterized by a 25-hour fast and a series of five primary prohibitions, including abstaining from eating, drinking, washing or bathing, applying lotions or cosmetics, wearing leather footwear, and engaging in marital relations.
• Known as the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, the date is traditionally associated with a 'cumulative' history of calamity, spanning from the biblical era to more recent historical traumas.
• The core ritual of the day involves the communal recitation of the biblical Book of Lamentations, which articulates the profound grief and anguish surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temples.
• Synagogues often feature the reading of Kinnot, a collection of liturgical dirges that mourn not only the loss of the Temples but also centuries of Jewish persecution, including the Holocaust and various medieval expulsions.
• Historical records highlight the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290 as a particularly significant event that is frequently commemorated during this period of national mourning.
• The day marks the culmination of the 'Three Weeks' and the 'Nine Days,' periods of escalating mourning that progressively restrict joyous activities such as weddings, haircuts, and the consumption of meat or wine.
• Many participants adopt mourning customs similar to those observed during shiva (the week-long period of grief following the loss of a close relative), such as sitting on low stools or the floor to symbolize humility and sorrow.
• While not a public holiday in the United Kingdom, some Jewish-owned businesses and communal organizations may choose to close or operate with restricted hours out of respect for the solemnity of the day.
• The observance is deeply rooted in the concept of zachor* (memory), functioning as a religious obligation to ensure that the historical struggles, resilience, and faith of the Jewish people are transmitted and remembered across generations.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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 special prayer service (such as Eicha and Kinot) held at your local synagogue. Participants gather to read from the Book of Lamentations and recite other mournful liturgy.
• Visit Jewish museums or cultural centers that have exhibitions on Jewish history. An example is The Jewish Museum London, a notable museum that showcases the rich history of the Jewish community in the UK.

Tisha B'Av references