The Mishnah in Ta-anit states that numerous tragic events are connected with the Ninth of Av.

Foremost among them are the destructions of both the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. Later, other tragic events were also associated with this date — the expulsion of the Jews from England in 1290 as well as the expulsion from Spain in 1492. Even after the re-establishment of the State of Israel, the Ninth of Av remains an important date to commemorate the sad moments of our history. The Rabbis said that this baseless hatred (sinat hinam in Hebrew) was the reason that the Second Temple in particular was destroyed.

We will come together this year for services on Saturday evening, July 21st, and Sunday morning and evening on July 22nd to mark the Ninth of Av and the events associated with this date.

Central to these services will be the reading of Lamentations (Eikhah) and other readings that connect us to our history and our community. Saturday evening services will begin at 9:00PM in our Sanctuary. Those able to sit on the floor will be encouraged to do so. There will be chairs provided for those who need them. Sunday services will take place at 9:00AM and 8:00PM in the Steinberg Chapel.

Tallit and Tefillin are not worn at the morning service but will be worn at evening services.

Tisha B’Av is also a full fast day (sundown to sundown, like Yom Kippur). People for whom fasting is not possible for medical reasons or who must take medications are excused from the fast but will hopefully still attend services.