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Tisha B'Av means "the ninth (day) of Av."
usually
occurs in the English Calendar during July or August. The Fast of the Ninth of Av,
is a day of mourning to commemorate the many tragedies that have
befallen the Jewish people, many of which coincidentally have occurred on this ninth
of Av. The worst of Jewish tragedies occurred on the 9th of Av. Most
notably the destruction of both Temples. (the first by the
Babylonians in 586 B.C.E.; the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.).
 Although this holiday is primarily meant to commemorate the
destruction of the Temple, it is appropriate to consider on this day
the many other tragedies of the Jewish people. In chronological
order it's source began with the sin of the spies whom spoke
negatively about the land of Israel to the Jewish nation (noted in
the book of Bamidbar of the Torah). That same night the Jews mourned
for lack of faith. Ever since, G_d had given the nation a real
reason to mourn in correction of this lack of faith. Throughout
history, the Temples burned, the Jews were expelled from
Spain in 1492, Pogroms and World War I and II have all
occurred on this momentous day. In the future this day of mourning
will completely turn into a day of rejoicing as the true Moshiach
will be born on this day removing the yoke of the nations around us.
Tisha B'Av is the culmination of a three week period of
increasing mourning, beginning with the fast
of the 17th of Tammuz, which commemorates the first breach in
the walls of Jerusalem, before the First Temple was destroyed.
During this three week period, weddings and other parties are not
permitted, and people refrain from cutting their hair. From the
first to the ninth of Av, it is customary to refrain from eating
meat or drinking wine (except on the 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, bathing, shaving or wearing cosmetics; wearing leather
shoes; engaging in sexual relations; and studying Torah. 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 observed: people refrain from smiles, laughter and
idle conversation, and sit on low stools.
In synagogue, the book of Lamentations is read and mourning
prayers are recited. The ark (cabinet where the Torah is kept) is
draped in black.
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