Tisha B'Av in the United Kingdom

Tisha B'Av, also known as the Ninth of Av, is an annual fast day in Judaism that commemorates a series of calamities that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history, many of which are said to have occurred on this day. It is a day of mourning and reflection.

History and Significance:

• Destruction of Temples: The primary events remembered on Tisha B'Av are the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, which occurred about 656 years apart but on the same date in the Hebrew calendar.
• Expulsions and Tragedies: Other historical events mourned on Tisha B'Av include the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 and England in 1290, as well as various other times when Jewish communities faced significant persecution or tragedy.

Traditions:

• Fasting: Tisha B'Av is primarily marked by a 25-hour fast, which includes abstaining from food and drink.
• Reading Eicha: The Book of Lamentations (Eicha), which laments the destruction of Jerusalem, is chanted in synagogues.
• Sitting Low: Traditionally, seats are removed from synagogues or people sit on low stools or on the floor to signify mourning.
• Abstaining from Pleasantries: Jews refrain from greetings, wearing leather shoes, bathing for pleasure, applying ointments or creams, and engaging in marital relations.

Observance in the UK:

In the United Kingdom, Jewish communities observe Tisha B'Av following these traditions. Synagogues across the country hold services where Lamentations are read by candlelight or dim lighting to set a somber mood. Educational programs about Jewish history and discussions centered around themes related to destruction and rebuilding may also take place. Additionally:

• Some might visit Jewish cemeteries as a way to connect with past tragedies.
• Community leaders encourage reflection on both historical suffering and contemporary issues facing Jewry worldwide.

Throughout the UK's diverse Jewish communities—from London's large population to smaller communities spread across Britain—Tisha B'Av serves as a solemn reminder of past losses while encouraging unity and resilience within the community.