Tisha B'Av (Hebrew for "the Ninth of Av") is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. Occuring in July or August each year, the mournful holiday commemorates the destruction of the Holy Temple, the sieges of Jerusalem, and other calamities like the Holocaust that have befallen the Jewish people over the centuries. There are a number of unique customs to be observed on this day.
Tisha B'Av 2023 is from the evening of Wednesday the 26th of July to the evening of Thursday the 27th of July. [1] X Research source
Steps
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Understand the five major prohibitions of the day. They include both eating and drinking, wearing leather shoes, bathing or washing, applying ointments, and intimacy. Other restrictions include pleasurable activities, sitting on a normal-height chair (until midday), studying the Torah, etc. If you have any doubt as to your ability adhering to these prohibitions, feel free to speak to your rabbi or other competent authority on Jewish laws.
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Have a filling meal shortly before the fast begins. Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid salty or unhealthy foods. The fast lasts 25 hours, roughly from sundown on the eve of the holiday to after dark on the following day.Advertisement
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Change into non-leather shoes. If you cannot wear non-leather shoes for health reasons, speak to your rabbi who may permit it.
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Attend services at your local synagogue . The Tisha B'Av service is primarily comprised of the reading of Eicha , the Book of Lamentations, and numerous kinot (dirges/elegies). Unlike all other days, during the afternoon service on Tisha B'Av, men typically wear their tefillin (phylacteries) and tallit (prayer shawl).
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Try to spend the day of Tisha B'Av in a meaningful way. Restrictions are eased somewhat after midday, but the sorrowful atmosphere still prevails. Many synagogues have programs or screen free movies related to the theme of the holiday.
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Break the fast after nightfall.Advertisement
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Tips
- While Tisha B'Av is mainly observed by religious Jews and not widely known among non-religious Jews, it is still important to understand the laws, customs, and themes of the holiday.Thanks
- Pregnant or nursing mothers, as well as young children and those who are ill may not be required to fast, but should check with their rabbi.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Filling meal before the fast
- Non-leather shoes
- Prayer book
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