Day of Mourning

In the year 1313 BCE, the Jews send spies to scout the Promised Land before entering. The spies report that the land is unconquerable and the people cry in despair. G-d is upset by this public demonstration of distrust and decrees the 9th of Av a day of mourning for our people forever. 

On this date were the destructions of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem (423 BCE and 69 CE). In 133 CE, on Tisha b’Av, the city of Betar was conquered by the Romans. This ended the Bar Kochba rebellion and hundreds of thousands of Jews were slaughtered. One year later, the Romans plowed the Temple Mount. The Jews were expelled from England in 1290 on Tisha b'Av. In 1492, the Jews were expelled from Spain. King Ferdinand decreed that the Jews were to leave the country by August 2nd, the 9th of Av. In 1914, World War I was declared on the 9th of Av. 

Laws of Mourning:

On Tisha b'Av, this year beginning Monday night and ending Tuesday night, it is forbidden to:

1. Eat or drink. All adults must fast. Someone who is ill should consult a rabbi. 

2. Wear leather footwear. 

3. Sit on a normal-height chair until midday. ("Halachic" midday is the halfway point between sunrise and sunset.) 

4. Bathe or wash oneself. One who becomes soiled may rinse the affected area with cold water. 

5. Apply ointment, lotions, or creams.

6. Engage in marital relations or any form of intimacy. 

7. Greet another with the customary "hello" or "how are you doing?" 

8. Engaging in outings, trips, or any other pleasurable activities.

9. Study Torah, because "they cause the heart to rejoice". It is however permitted and encouraged to study sections of the Torah discussing the destruction of the Temples and the tragedies which befell the Jewish people throughout history. This prohibition begins at midday on Monday.

* The Temple burned from the 9th of Av through the 10th. Therefore, the restrictions of the Nine Days (such as not eating meat or swimming) extend until midday on Wednesday.

For more information on Tisha b’Av, please visit 3weeks.org.

May we merit the coming of Moshiach when these days will be transformed into days of joy and happiness!

Shabbat Shalom!

Candle lighting time in NYC is at 7:43 PM.