Mourning tragedies of Tisha B’Av, Jews fast this weekend
Area synagogues will observe Tisha B’Av this Saturday night and Sunday, the saddest date of the Jewish liturgical year.
Tisha B’Av, named for the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, begins at sundown this Saturday, July 28, and concludes at sundown on July 29. A day of fasting, it commemorates major tragedies in the history of the Jewish people — including the destruction of both ancient temples, and the expulsions of Jews from England in 1290 and from Spain in 1492.
By custom, Tisha B’Av begins with a sad but poignant service. Brief Ma’ariv evening services are prayed in a hushed tone. Afterwards, those worshipers for whom it is physically possible sit on the floor for the chanting of the Book of Lamentations and the singing of Kinot with special cantillation to reflect the dark mood of this observance. At some synagogues, participants bring flashlights in order to follow the texts in the darkened room, in others dim candles are lit. On Sunday morning, during Shacharit services, Tallit and Tefillin are not worn, but a Torah reading and Haftarah are added, again with the special Tisha B’av cantillation.