Tish’a B’Av（ 聖殿被毀日）

The Tish’a B’Av is coming up!

Many cultures around the world observe days of mourning.

Tish’a B’Av, meaning “the Ninth of the month of Av,” is the saddest day in the Jewish Calendar.

In 586 BCE, the First Temple in Jerusalem was burnt down by the Babylonians. After 70 years of exile, the Israelites returned to the Promised Land, rebuilding communities and resuming their practice of Judaism. Most importantly, they rebuilt the Temple in the Promised Land.

Nevertheless, the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 69 CE. Roman oppression drove the Jewish people out of Jerusalem, sending them into 2000 years of exile.

Tish’a B’Av is a solemn day mourning the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem. Through fasting, mourning, and praying, Jews around the world are joined together to commemorate the shared memories of exile and destruction.

Tish’a B’Av is observed through fasting, praying, and chanting the Book of Lamentations. Many gather at temples and synagogues for the Tish’a B’Av service, where the crowd chant together as a group. It is a time to mourn and repent.

Activities associated with “joy” are prohibited on the day of mourning, including dressing for festivity, bathing, engaging in any form of marital intimacy, or gifting.

The JCC will also be closed for Tish’a B’Av on this Thursday, July 27th, 2023, and will reopen on Sunday.

Although it is considered the saddest day in the Jewish Calendar, it also serves as a reminder for us to cherish everything that we have.