As covered in previous articles on Shalom Adventure, Tisha B’Av is officially the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, lamenting the destruction of both temples and several other tragedies inflicted on the Jewish people over the course of history. In addition to prayers, mournful reflection, and studies of the Book of Lamentations, many choose to fast on this melancholy day. This video is from Tisha B'Av 2018.
Some Jewish people choose to abstain from food or drink on Tisha B’Av. Others may choose to abstain from wearing leather footwear, bathing and/or wearing nicer clothing, applying ointments or extraneous personal care, intimacy with one’s spouse, trips/outings/recreation, and happier aspects of Torah so that they can focus their minds on the drearier parts of Torah that discuss the destruction of the First and Second Temple more exclusively.
Written by Erin Parfet
