Tisha B'Av Observance

Tisha B'Av commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE, respectively, and is the culmination of a three-week period that begins on the minor fast day of Shiva Asar B'Tammuz (17th of Tammuz--observed July 19-20). It is a day of mourning and fasting in the Jewish calendar.

On Saturday we will begin with Mincha (afternoon) service at 6:45 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit. At 8:15pm we will engage in study together, and Maariv (evening) service will begin at 9:00pm, at which Megillat Eicha, the Book of Lamentations, will be chanted. It is customary to dim the lights and read by candlelight or flashlight during the chanting of Eicha. Please feel free to bring a small flashlight to the service. It is also customary to sit on the floor during Eicha and to stand during the rest of the service, if one is able to.

On Sunday, August 10, the Tisha B'Av Shachrit (morning) service will begin at 9:00 a.m., at which time we will hear chanting of the Haftara, from the book of Jeremiah. The Torah will also be read.

We will conclude the day at Mincha, beginning at 7:30 p.m., when we will again read the Torah and chant the Haftara, from the book of Isaiah. It is customary among Ashkenazim to not wear Tallit and Tefillin in the morning, but to wear them at the afternoon service. A brief Maariv service will follow.

Please join your fellow congregants at Tikvat Israel on August 9 and 10 for our solemn observance of Tisha B'Av.