Tikvat Israel Congregation

A Friendly, Participatory, Egalitarian Conservative Synagogue in Rockville, MD

Tisha B’Av

"Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem" by Francesco Hayez, 1867
“Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem” by Francesco Hayez, 1867

Tisha B’Av — the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av — is a fast day that commemorates the destruction of the 1st Temple in 586 BCE, the 2nd Temple in 70 CE, and is also associated with the beginning of the Spanish Inquisition in 1492 and other tragic historic events. Traditionally, many of these events were seen as punishment for not upholding the mitzvot or for the lack of civility among people of different factions of Judaism. Regardless of one’s belief about the cause of the Temple’s destruction (or desire to rebuild it), this day is a reminder of the many attempts throughout history to destroy the Jewish people and Judaism. It is also an opportunity for us to mourn the losses we have endured. Traditionally, we engage in a full 24 hour fast and listen to the reading of Megillat Eicha (Lamentations) to help us focus on the solemnity of the day and commit ourselves to building a better future.

Tisha B’Av is the culmination of a three-week period of mourning that begins with the minor fast day of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz (17th of Tammuz), which marked the breach of the city walls in Jerusalem that preceded the destruction of the 1st Temple. It also begins the lead-up to the season of repentance, with Rosh Hashanah just seven weeks away.

Tisha B’Av 5782/2022

Saturday, August 6
8:15pm – Fast Begins
8:58 pm – Shabbat ends
9:30 pm Services with Eicha (Lamentations). Tikvat Israel will join Shaare Tefila, B’nai Shalom of Olney, and Kol Shalom at B’nai Shalom of Olney, 18401 Burtfield Dr, Olney, for a Tisha B’Av service in-person and online).
Participants are encouraged to bring small flashlights to the service. Leather shoes are traditionally not worn. 

Please watch for more information in B’Kesher.

Sunday, August 7
8:45am – Shacharit (morning) service (in-person at Shaare Tefila, 16620 Georgia Avenue, Olney and online)Our observance will include a brief Torah reading and a haftarah.  As a sign of mourning, Tallit and tefillin are not worn.
Please watch for more information in B’Kesher.

2:00 pm Mincha service in-person and online at Tikvat Israel
Tallit and tefillin are worn. The Torah will again be read and haftarah chanted.

7:30 pm Ma’ariv service on Zoom
Please watch for more information in B’Kesher. 

8:43 pm – Fast ends