Tisha B'Av in United States

Tisha B'Av, also known as the Ninth of Av, is an annual fast day in Judaism, which commemorates a series of tragic events in Jewish history that are said to have occurred on the same date. Most notably, it marks the destruction of both the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE.

Traditions and Observances:

• Fasting: The primary tradition of Tisha B'Av is a 25-hour fast, which begins at sunset on the eve of Tisha B'Av and ends at nightfall the following day.

• Reading Eicha: The Book of Lamentations, known as Eicha in Hebrew, is read in synagogue to mourn the destruction of Jerusalem.

• Sitting Low: It's customary for people to sit on low stools or on the floor during services as a sign of mourning.

• Abstaining from Pleasure: Jews refrain from activities that bring joy or comfort, including bathing for pleasure, wearing leather shoes (a sign of luxury), applying lotions or creams, marital relations, and studying Torah (except for sad texts).

What People Do:

In the United States, observant Jews attend synagogue services where Lamentations are chanted often to a traditional mournful tune. Some communities organize educational programs focusing on Jewish history and religious themes associated with Tisha B'Av. Additionally, individuals may engage in reflection and personal mourning over the historical tragedies.

While Tisha B'Av is not recognized as a public holiday outside Israel and has no impact on national schedules or non-Jewish institutions within the U.S., it remains an important observance for many American Jews who seek to connect with their heritage and history through its solemn traditions.