View an excellent overview video: “Crash Course on Tisha B'Av”
What Happened on the Ninth of Av?
On Tisha B'Av, five national calamities occurred:
- During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 10 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE)
- The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. 100,000 Jews were slaughtered and millions more exiled. (586 BCE)
- The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, led by Titus. Some two million Jews died, and another one million were exiled. (70 CE)
- The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The city of Betar – the Jews' last stand against the Romans – was captured and liquidated. Over 100,000 Jews were slaughtered. (135 CE)
- The Temple area and its surroundings were plowed under by the Roman general Turnus Rufus. Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city – renamed Aelia Capitolina – and access was forbidden to Jews.
Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history occurred on the Ninth of Av, including:
- The Spanish Inquisition culminated with the expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'Av in 1492.
- World War One broke out on the eve of Tisha B'Av in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia. German resentment from the war set the stage for the Holocaust.
- On the eve of Tisha B'Av 1942, the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka.
Aspects of Mourning: The Afternoon Before Tisha B'Av
During the afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av, it is customary to eat a full meal in preparation for the fast.
At the end of the afternoon, we eat the Seudah Hamaf-seket – a meal consisting only of bread, water, and a hard-boiled egg.
The egg has two symbols: The round shape reminds us of a sign of the cycle of life. Also, the egg is the only food which gets harder the more it is cooked – a symbol of the Jewish people's ability to withstand persecution.
Food eaten at the Seudah Hamaf-seket is dipped in ashes, symbolic of mourning. The meal should preferably be eaten alone, while seated on the ground in mourner's fashion.
When the afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av occurs on Shabbat, there is no Seudah Hamaf-seket with eggs and ashes. Rather, the regular Shabbat "third meal" is eaten, albeit without guests and fanfare.
Restrictions on Tisha B'Av
Upon sundown, the laws of Tisha B'Av commence – consisting of the following expressions of mourning:
1. No eating or drinking until nightfall the following evening.
- Pregnant and nursing women are also required to fast. If one suspects it could be harmful to the baby or mother, a rabbi should be consulted.
- A woman within 30 days after birth need not fast.
- Others who are old, weak, or ill should consult with a rabbi. (MB 554:11)
- Medicine may be taken on Tisha B'Av, preferably without water.
- In case of great discomfort, the mouth may be rinsed with water. Great care should be taken not to swallow anything. (MB 567:11)
2. Other prohibitions include:
- Any bathing or washing, except for removing specific dirt – e.g. gook in the eyes (OC 554:9, 11). (Upon rising in the morning, before prayers, or after using the bathroom, one washes only the fingers. See OC 554:10, OC 613:3, MB 554:26)
- Anointing oneself for pleasure. (Deodorant is permitted.)
- Having marital relations.
- Wearing leather shoes. (Leather belts may be worn.)(see: Laws of Shoes and Chairs)
- Learning Torah, since this is a joyful activity. It is permitted to learn texts relevant to Tisha B'Av and mourning – e.g. the Book of Lamentations, Book of Job, parts of Tractate Moed Katan, Gittin 56-58, Sanhedrin 104, Yerushalmi end of Ta'anis, and the Laws of Mourning. In-depth study should be avoided. (MB 554:4)
3. Other mourning practices include:
- Sitting no higher than a foot off the ground. After midday, one may sit on a chair. (OC 559:3)(see: Laws of Shoes and Chairs)
- Not engaging in business or other distracting labors, unless it will result in a substantial loss. (OC 554:23)
- Refraining from greeting others or offering gifts. (OC 554:20)
- Avoiding idle chatter or leisure activities.
4. Following Tisha B'Av, all normal activities may be resumed, except for the following which are delayed until midday of the 10th of Av, because the burning of the Temple continued through the 10th of Av:
- Haircuts and washing clothes. (When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, these are permitted immediately following Tisha B'Av, in honor of the coming Shabbat.)
- Bathing. (When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, bathing is permitted on Friday morning.)
- Eating meat and wine.
- Music and swimming.
Prayer on Tisha B'Av
- Lights in the synagogue are dimmed, candles are lit, and the curtain is removed from the Ark. The cantor leads the prayers in a low, mournful voice. This reminds us of the Divine Presence which departed from the Holy Temple.
- The Book of Eicha (Lamentations), Jeremiah's poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, is read both at night and during the day.
- Following both the night and day service, special "Kinot" (elegies) are recited.
- In the morning, the Torah portion of Deuteronomy 4:25-40 is read, containing the prophecy regarding Israel's future iniquity and exile. This is followed by the Haftorah from Jeremiah (8:13, 9:1-23) describing the desolation of Zion.
- In the afternoon, Exodus 32:11-14 is read. This is followed by the Haftorah from Isaiah 55-56.
- Since Tallis and Tefillin represent glory and decoration, they are not worn at Shacharit. Rather, they are worn at Mincha, as certain mourning restrictions are lifted.
- Birkat Kohanim is said only at Mincha, not at Shacharit.
- Prayers for comforting Zion and "Aneinu" are inserted into the Amidah prayer at Mincha.
- Shortly after the fast is broken, it is customary to say Kiddush Lavana.
When Tisha B'Av Falls on Shabbat
For a full treatment of this topic, see: When Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbat or Sunday. Here is a brief overview of the special conditions that apply:
- The fast is pushed off until Saturday night/Sunday.
- All other prohibitions of Tisha B'Av (washing, learning Torah, leather shoes, etc.) are permitted on Shabbat itself, except for marital relations. (Of course, regular Shabbat restrictions apply, such as anointing with cream and showering.)
- Seudah Shlishit has none of the restrictions of Seudah Hamaf-seket, and may include meat and wine. However, the mood should be somber, should not include invited guests, and eating must stop before sundown.
- Ma'ariv on Saturday night is delayed, so that everyone can say "Boruch Hamavdil bein kodesh li'chol," then remove their leather shoes and come to synagogue.
- Havdallah on Saturday night is recited only over a candle, without wine or spices. On Sunday night, Havdallah is then said over wine.
- Regarding the various prohibitions, some are lifted immediately upon completion of the fast (e.g. bathing, laundry and haircuts), while others remain prohibited until the following morning (meat, wine and music).
with thanks to Rabbi Moshe Lazerus
(34) Eli, July 25, 2015 4:49 PM
when was the first Tisha B'av observed?
when was the first Tisha B'av observed?
(33) Jay E. Simkin, July 23, 2015 3:07 PM
Words matter: Animals are "slaughtered". Humans are "murdered" or "killed"
The word "slaughtered" has no place in a description of a genocide. "Slaughter" is done to animals. It is deeply disrespectful to use any form of the verb "to slaughter" to any human, especially to victims of a genocidal regime.
A genocide is a planned event. In English, only forms of "to murder" (verb) or "murder" (noun) properly describe what is done to the victims of a genocidal regime. Theirs are innocent lives, taken with malice aforethought. A "killing" can be accidental and - if in defense against imminent, lethal peril - completely lawful. A murder is never lawful.
The Nazis, y'mach sh'mom, did not "deport" Jews. "Deportation" is a legal process, by whcih a person unlawfully in a country is removed to a country, wherein s/he has a lawful right to reside. The Nazis held that no Jew could have a lawful right to reside anywhere in Western Europe. Use of "deportation" means the writer shares the Nazis' view!
Further, Jews removed from Warsaw's ghetto were transported to Treblinka to be murdered. Almost all were murdered, within 24 hours of arrival.
Most, who write about the Nazi genocide, adopt the Nazis' framework and view of their victims. The Nazis tried to conceal their plans from their victims and so used terms such as "resettlement in the East". The Nazis transported Jews from Warsaw to Treblinka. The Nazis did NOT deport any Jews.
Amitzah Peggy, August 14, 2015 2:47 PM
simkin's comment
The writer of the article has incorrectly added Purim, and Yom Kippur into the traditions of traditions on the 12th of Av.
While simkin takes on the attitude of righteousness, his self righteousness of exclaiming the word "slaughter" while the writer of the article being commented on uses the nazi terminology "liquidation", both refrain from using the word extermination, which is exactly what shitlomist and xans have been doing for years.
The true laws of H'Shem B'Lhein- won't ever die.
The "slaughter" of Jews, while the people that died aren't being called animals, the murderers that murdered Hebrews and Jews ARE being called animals. (You really didn't think H'Shem B'Lhein- would let you, and other"s kids slide by on that, did you?)
(32) Anonymous, July 21, 2015 7:00 PM
Modern events on Tisha B'Av
Do you know of any tragedies that have affected the Jewish people in recent years on Tisha B'Av?
David, July 24, 2015 4:46 PM
Iran deal
The Iran deal. What use are promesses and deals if
ISIS or else can conquer Iran and use whatever is there at their disposal? Israel may be ironically the safest place in the world when that happens. I conclude.
sonia, August 1, 2017 3:35 AM
Argentina 1994
There was a terrorist attack on AMIA that killed 86 persons and destroyed the building.
(31) Igor Bartolic, July 9, 2015 8:25 PM
Tisha B'Av
Thank You Rabbi and Aish.Shabbat Shalom and Shema Israel.HaShem bless You for good and kindness.Shalom from all my Heart and Soul.Love.
(30) Kibbitzer, August 4, 2014 5:44 AM
Exile from England
The Edict of Expulsion from England by Edward I was promulgated on July 18 1290- Tisha b'Av!
(29) Joseph Roth, July 29, 2012 3:45 AM
Helpfull
This overview was very helpfull and thuroigh thank you so much especially that deodorant is allowed and all of the terrible things that occured on this terrible day i appreciate the abilty to read this information. May the bais hamikdash be rebuilt bimhaira viyamainu amein
(28) Yose haokip, July 28, 2012 12:28 PM
Thanks to Rabbi for explaining tisha b'av in detail.
I have much more improvement with regard to the rules specify to the mourned fast day which i have practice for 5 years.
(27) Yose haokip, July 28, 2012 11:35 AM
Thanks to Rabbi for explaining tisha b'av in detail.
I have much more improvement with regard to the rules specify to the mourned fast day which i have practice for 5 years.
(26) Carole J.Paul, July 26, 2012 6:16 PM
Great insight by a rabbi
I find that when a Rabbi explains these things, one gains strength from the past events of what happened to our people. Thank you.
(25) Judith Sinclair, July 22, 2012 2:01 PM
Do we feel like we're getting stronger from all the tribulations of the past and of now??
Thank God for the good in our lives. Guess that's the lesson. And to remember that the human race seems to function better when we're kind and helpful. All the other memories bring sadness and hopelessness. Maybe it forces us to take an optimistic approach to life. What do you think?
(24) Debra, August 8, 2011 8:14 PM
Being a better child of God
Thanks for helping me become a better child of God. To learn from our mistakes is smart. To learn from the mistakes of others is wisdom.
(23) Anonymous, July 20, 2010 7:00 PM
Very useful, thank you so much for publishing this.
(22) D.K.Milgrim-Heath, July 17, 2010 3:01 AM
The Root Of Destruction Is Really To Show
The Root Of Destruction Is Really To Show By D.K.Milgrim-Heath©2010 The root of destruction is really to show- What happened to our ancestors at present and centuries ago? That God had to teach us lessons we needed to learn- Towards making us better Jews in return. By five catastrophic events we must understand- These events concerned our promised land. The land of Canaan observed by Moses’ scouts in century’s past- Showing we couldn’t enter our future land at last. The first and second temple destructions in Jerusalem of we know- After that was the razing of city of Jerusalem totally it was so. There being another serious Jerusalem siege in 70 CE- And Bar Koch bar failing revolt against the Roman Empire historically. Having had modern calamities I’ll name a few- The English Jewish expulsion 1290 and the Alhambra Decree of 1492. !914 brought WWI, WWII and the Holocaust upon our earth- What was all this for -any terrors worth? The Jewish Warsaw ghetto routed to Treblinka’s destructible location in 1942- For hidden horrors untold until liberation day the world never fully knew.
(21) Nancy N, July 17, 2010 2:28 AM
Thank you
Thank you for a very informative article. As a Christian who is searching and learning about Jewish history, I find the Rabbi's insight extremely helpful.
(20) Leon Spitz, July 16, 2010 12:52 PM
Israel
My family and I just returned from 2 weeks in Israel and Jerusalem. I now have every reason to participate in Tisha B'Av.
(19) Anonymous, June 29, 2010 1:39 PM
ver good
I enjoyed this article because it gave clear and concise explanations for the sequence of events of Jewish persecution.
(18) Alan Fakheri, July 31, 2009 3:18 AM
i fasted for the first time as a result of the article! Thanks
(17) Anonymous, July 30, 2009 12:35 AM
thank you
(16) Anonymous, July 29, 2009 5:49 PM
1492.1914.1942
how come the numbers in the years are similar The expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'Av in 1492. World War One broke out on the eve of Tisha B'Av in 1914 . On the eve of Tisha B'Av 1942, the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka.
(15) gabriel talkar, August 10, 2008 1:26 AM
very useful information
thank you so much for the information
there was some that i knew and some didn't.may this fast bring mashiach now and may we see the third beth ha mikdash in our times.amen
(14) Yisroel Yitzchak, August 8, 2008 3:30 PM
An awsome burden is shown here...
This truly shows the reasons for the fast in a way that cant be ignored or misenterpreted...Thank you!
(13) Anonymous, August 7, 2008 10:07 PM
Really appreciate your teachings
Thanks.
(12) Anonymous, July 23, 2007 10:15 PM
Illuminating and heart breaking.
I am a Christian and I can tell you it is very difficult to gain this sort of information which is really teaching us the nature of the hate that has and still is being poured out on our Jewish bretheren. Thankyou for sharing, and I look forward to more teaching now that I have joined your your subscription list. Shalom.
Reuven Frank, July 29, 2020 4:56 PM
Welcome!
and Thank YOU!
It is people like yourself that will bring about the understanding necessary for the next stage of human spiritual development.
Well Done!
(11) vic huglin, July 23, 2007 4:19 PM
a great refresher
Reminded one in simple terms the basics of the tragic day . It is good to be reminded so we can never forget and learn for the future
(10) Emily, August 3, 2006 12:00 AM
very informative
Thanks for this article. I've been jewish my whole life and never knew this. thanks!
(9) shoshi horesh, August 2, 2006 12:00 AM
thank you!
i have just read your piece on tisha b'av and i just wanted to let you know how useful i found it. thank you!shoshi
(8) Malkah, August 1, 2006 12:00 AM
Aish, You're the Best!
Aish, you ROCK! Thank you for this concise and informative article. All the practical advice, none of the fluff.
(7) Barbara Rona, July 25, 2005 12:00 AM
everything is relative
1 year ago my first born son died of Leukemia on
Tisha B'Av. If you combine all the tragic events that happened on that day, it doesn't come close to what a mother feels when she buries her child.
(6) rachel, July 27, 2004 12:00 AM
toda!
BS"D
Thank you Aish!
Tizku lemitzvot!
All the best! Tzom Kal V'Mo'Il!
(5) Joyce Kurz, July 27, 2004 12:00 AM
Stimulating
All your articles and explanations of Tisha B'Av help me make the day as serious and meaningful as possible. Yasher Kochachem!!!
(4) Anonymous, July 26, 2004 12:00 AM
thanks for the useful information
Thank you very much for such an easy to follow guide to this mournful day. I was really ashamed that I didn't know about this day earlier, I will now remember it forever Thank you
(3) shayna, July 25, 2004 12:00 AM
your explainations are great, thank you
your explainations are great, thank you
(2) Nicole Getz, September 15, 2003 12:00 AM
A brilliant site which helped me tremendously with my Jewish Studies project on Tisha Ba Av
Thank you for an amazing site.
(1) Claire Bitton, June 24, 2002 12:00 AM
Wonerful - and two more events ...
Also on 9th Av - the ovens were lit at Treblinka and the Jews were expelled from UK on 9th Av 1290