Tisha B'Av, is the Fast of the Ninth of Av (which usually falls in August). It is a day of mourning to commemorate the many tragedies affecting the Jewish people, many of which coincidentally occurred on the ninth of the Jewish month of Av.

Tisha B'Av primarily commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, both of which were destroyed on the ninth of Av (the first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E.; the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.). Today, all that remains of the Second Temple is the Western Wall, commonly called the Wailing Wall.

Although this holiday is primarily meant to commemorate the destruction of the Temple, it is appropriate on Tisha B’Av to consider the other tragedies of the Jewish people, many of which occurred on this day, notably the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492.

Tisha B'Av is the culmination of three weeks of increased mourning. During this three week period, weddings and other parties are not permitted, and traditionally people refrain from cutting their hair. Between the first and ninth of Av, it is customary to refrain from eating meat or drinking wine (except on Shabbat) and from wearing new clothing.

The restrictions on Tisha B'Av are similar to those on Yom Kippur: to refrain from eating and drinking (even water); washing, shaving, using cosmetics, wearing leather shoes and engaging in sexual relations. Work in the ordinary sense of the word is also restricted. People who are ill need not fast on this day. Many of the traditional mourning practices are observedsuch as sitting on low stools. People also refrain from smiling, laughing and idle conversation. In synagogue, the book of Eicha, (Lamentations) is read and mourning prayers are recited.

Tishah B'Av has traditionally been a day to mourn the destruction of both ancient Temples in Jerusalem. Reform Judaism acknowledges the centrality of the Temple for religious worship when it stood and the tragedy of its demise. We also recognise that the destruction of the Temple provided opportunities for Jewish religious life to be experienced and expressed in different ways. To see the Temple as central to contemporary religious life is to deny the significance of Diaspora Judaism. Reform Jews support Israel but see the value in having rich and diverse Jewish life in both Israel and the Diaspora. We do not support the movement to build a third Temple in Jerusalem. Therefore, mourning the destruction of the Temples in such an elaborate fashion is not entirely appropriate. More recently, in Reform Judaism Tishah B'Av has been transformed into a day to remember many Jewish tragedies that have occurred throughout history.

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Find the latest dates for upcoming-festivals in the Reform Movement Calendar.