Fast of Ninth of Av

The Fast of Ninth of Av, also known as Tisha B’Av, is an annual Jewish day of mourning that commemorates several tragic events in Jewish history, primarily the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Observed on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av (July or August in the Gregorian calendar), it is marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Quick Facts

• When is it?: The Fast of Ninth of Av falls on August 3, 2025.
• Tagged as: A day of mourning and fasting.
• What’s the hashtag?: #TishaBAv.
• When was it founded?: Ancient times, following the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE.
• Who founded it?: Established by Jewish tradition.

History

The Fast of Ninth of Av commemorates numerous tragedies that befell the Jewish people. Among the most significant are:

1. The destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.
2. The destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE.
3. The massacre at Betar during the Bar Kochba revolt in 135 CE.
4. The expulsion of Jews from England in 1290 and Spain in 1492.
5. Events like World War I and its connection to subsequent tragedies for Jewish communities.

This day serves as a solemn reminder of loss, exile, and resilience throughout Jewish history.

Timeline

• 586 BCE: Destruction of King Solomon’s First Temple by Nebuchadnezzar.
• 70 CE: Romans destroy the Second Temple, marking a prolonged exile.
• 135 CE: Massacre at Betar and Roman plowing over Jerusalem’s holy sites.
• 1290 CE: Expulsion of Jews from England.
• 1492 CE: Expulsion from Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella.
• 1941 CE: Nazi approval for the Holocaust begins.

Fast of Ninth of Av Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	August 3	Sunday
2026	July 23	Thursday
2027	August 12	Thursday
2028	August 1	Tuesday
2029	July 22	Sunday
2030	August 10	Saturday

Observed: Fast of Ninth of Av

This solemn day is observed with fasting from sunset to nightfall (about 25 hours). Activities such as eating, drinking, bathing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations are prohibited. Synagogue services include readings from Eichah (Lamentations) and other texts related to mourning. The day concludes with prayers for redemption and hope for a brighter future.

Despite its somber tone, Tisha B’Av carries a message of resilience, reminding Jews that survival amidst adversity is central to their identity.

Fun Facts About Fast of Ninth of Av

• It’s considered the saddest day on the Jewish calendar.
• The fast often coincides with Shabbat but is postponed to Sunday when this occurs.
• Tisha B’Av is referred to as a moed (holiday), symbolizing hope for future redemption despite its focus on mourning.

Quiz

1. What does Tisha B’Av commemorate?
2. Which temples were destroyed on Tisha B’Av?
3. What are some prohibitions observed during Tisha B’Av?
4. When does Tisha B’Av begin each year?
5. What text is read during synagogue services?

(Answers:)

1. Tragic events in Jewish history, including temple destructions.
2. The First Temple (586 BCE) and Second Temple (70 CE).
3. Eating, drinking, bathing, wearing leather shoes, marital relations.
4. Sunset on the eve of the ninth day of Av.
5. Eichah (Lamentations).

FAQs

• What are the Nine Days preceding Tisha B’Av?
  The Nine Days are a period leading up to Tisha B’Av marked by increased mourning practices.
• Why do Jews fast on this day?
  Fasting symbolizes mourning for tragedies and repentance for collective sins.
• Can children fast on Tisha B’Av?
  Children under bar/bat mitzvah age are exempt from fasting.
• What happens if Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat?
  The fast is postponed to Sunday as Shabbat takes precedence.
• What is read during synagogue services?
  The Book of Lamentations (Eichah) and other sad texts related to destruction.

Importance: Fast of Ninth of Av

A Day to Remember Tragedies

Tisha B’Av allows Jews to reflect on historical losses that shaped their identity and resilience.

Mourning with Purpose

The observance fosters communal solidarity while honoring those who suffered through history’s darkest moments.

Hope Amidst Mourning

Despite its sadness, Tisha B’Av carries a message that redemption and rebuilding are possible through unity and faith.

Related

• Yom Kippur
• Three Weeks Mourning Period
• Rosh Hashanah
• Passover