Pronunciation: [kˈɪnə] (IPA) 
The word "Kinah" is often spelled with a "q" in place of the letter "k" as it comes from Hebrew, where those two letters sound indistinguishable. It is pronounced [ki-nah] in IPA transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The word is used in Jewish mourning rituals to refer to a type of elegiac poem, traditionally recited on the anniversary of a loved one's death. The word is also spelled "qinah" in some sources.
Kinah is a Hebrew term that refers to a specific type of Jewish mourning poetry. Often written in elegaic form, the kinah is a mournful lamentation or dirge that expresses grief, sorrow, and anguish over the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, particularly during the time of Tisha B'Av, a major fast day in Judaism.
These mournful poems serve as a vehicle for Jewish individuals to express their deep sadness and to commemorate historical tragedies experienced by the Jewish people, particularly the destruction of both the First and Second Temples. Kinot, the plural form of kinah, are recited and sung during Tisha B'Av services as a means of connecting with the past, remembering the hardships endured by previous generations, and seeking solace and redemption.
The kinah typically employs poetic language and imagery to convey their messages. Often, biblical references, metaphors, and allusions are included in the kinot to emphasize the emotional impact of the loss and to evoke a sense of collective mourning and introspection within the community. Through the recitation or chanting of kinah, individuals reflect on the significance of the Temple's destruction, the exile of the Jewish people, and the continued longing for the rebuilding of a unified holy sanctuary.
The word "Kinah" is derived from the Hebrew language. It comes from the Hebrew word "קִינָה" which means lamentation or elegy. This term is often used in Jewish liturgical poetry referring to a specific type of poem that expresses mourning or sorrow, typically associated with the destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. The word has deep roots in biblical Hebrew and has been used in Jewish religious and cultural contexts for many centuries.
