The Fast of Av, also known as Tisha B'Av, is a significant day of mourning observed in Judaism. It falls on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, which usually occurs in July or August. This fast commemorates a series of historical tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people on this specific date.
Dating back to biblical times, the Fast of Av primarily commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, which took place centuries apart on the same date. These devastating events symbolize the loss of Jewish sovereignty and the dispersion of the Jewish people throughout the world.
Moreover, the Fast of Av serves as a solemn remembrance of numerous other calamities that have occurred during Jewish history. It is a day to mourn the exile from the Land of Israel, the failure of numerous Jewish revolts, the Spanish expulsion of Jews, and various other tragedies that have impacted the Jewish community throughout the ages.
During the Fast of Av, observant Jews refrain from engaging in common joyful activities as a sign of mourning. This includes abstaining from eating and drinking, bathing, wearing leather shoes, and engaging in marital relations. Additionally, synagogue services are held where mournful prayers are recited and passages from the Book of Lamentations are read, reflecting on the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of the Jewish people.
Overall, the Fast of Av is a solemn and significant day in the Jewish calendar, serving as a reminder of past tragedies and the enduring resilience of the Jewish people.
