Many terrible tragedies befell the Jewish people on this day, from the destruction of both our Batei Mikdash to the decree that the Jewish people must remain in the desert for forty years and the destruction of the city of Betar which resulted in the slaughter of its population, men, women and children.
Therefore, our Sages declared the day to be one of fasting and prayer, to remind us to repent our ways to prevent any more tragedies and to bring about our final redemption.
Every man and woman is therefore obligated to fast on this day.
One who is unwell must consult with their rabbi about whether to complete the fast.
The Eve of Tisha B’Av
It is customary only to study the books that can be studied on Tisha B’Av (see later) from midday on the eve of the fast.
Many have the custom of having a normal meal in the afternoon, and a final meal (seudat hamafseket) just before sunset, after davening mincha.
At this final meal, we do not eat more than one type of cooked food.
The meal is eaten while sitting on the floor.
It is customary to eat just a hard-boiled egg, the food of mourners, together with bread, and to dip them in ash.
Our Sages declared the day to be one of fasting and prayer, to remind us to repent our ways to prevent any more tragedies and to bring about our final redemption.
One must be careful to eat alone so there will be no “zimun”, and have in mind that you can still eat and drink after the meal, until sunset (shkia).
The fast begins at “shkia” and lasts till the stars are out the following day.
Candles are not lit.
The Night of Tisha B’Av
After Maariv, the book of “Eicha” is read, and the “kinot” are said while sitting on the floor or in a low seat.
Women are not obligated to hear the reading of “Eicha”.
It is customary that those who are able to make their sleep uncomfortable on this night, and one who is used to sleeping with two pillows, may sleep with just one, and many place a stone under their pillow.
The Prohibitions of Tisha B’Av
On Tisha B’Av it is prohibited to eat, drink, wash, wear leather shoes, to have marital relations, learn Torah and greet people.
It is customary to sit on the floor, or on a low chair, as a mourner does.
Only washing for enjoyment is prohibited, and any dirt may be removed.
Washing hands in the morning is done just until the knuckles.
It is prohibited to learn Tanach, Mishna, or Gemara, as this makes one happy.
One may read the book of Iyov (Job), the sad parts of Yirmiah, together with commentaries, and the gemarot which tell of the destruction of the Temple and Beitar. Other sad stories of Jewish history may also be read.
While greeting people is prohibited, one must be careful not to insult his fellow who may not be aware of these halachot.
There are several changes to our prayers on this day so it is important to have a prayer book specially for Tisha be’Av.
After “chatsot” (about 12:45 pm in Jerusalem), the mourning is more lenient, and all may sit on regular chairs, and learn Torah.
Motzei Tisha B’Av
It is customary not to bathe, shave, wash clothes, and eat meat till midday on the 10th of Av.
Our Sages tell us that all those who mourn for Jerusalem will merit to see it rebuilt.
Related articles
Pregnancy and Fasting on Yom Kippur- On the Feminine Gift of Speech
- Comparing the Joy of Tu B’Av and Yom Kippur
- Ekev: No One Will Stand Up Before You
- Why is our Mourning More Lenient on the Afternoon of Tisha B’av ?
- Vaetchanan: Respect, the Central Theme of the 10 Commandments
- Tisha B’Av: The Secrets of Jewish Tears
- Jewish Mourning: Feeling the Pain While Continuing Life
- Devarim and Tisha B’av: Turning Hatred into Love
- Why Do We Mourn on Tisha B’Av?
