The Meaning of the Day
Tisha B’Av (literally the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av) is a rabbinic fast day commemorating the destruction of the two Jewish Temples in Jerusalem and other disasters in Jewish history. The fast begins at sunset and ends the next nightfall, and includes unique mourning customs such as sitting on the floor, reciting Kinot (lamentations), and a refraining from Torah study. According to tradition, in the future it will become a day of joy with the coming of the Messiah and the rebuilding of the Third Temple.
In Jerusalem, the fast begins at 19:34 and ends: 20:04.
In Tel Aviv, the fast begins at 19:36 and ends: 20:06.
Laws of the Fast:
On Shabbat – the eve of the fast, the Mincha prayer is held early, and the third Shabbat meal, the Seudah Shlishit is considered the pre-fast meal (seudah mafseket), but one may eat normally, including meat and wine. However, the meal and any rinsing of the mouth should be concluded by sunset—approximately 19:40.
After sunset, the prohibitions of Tisha B’Av apply, but one should not change clothes or remove leather shoes until after Shabbat ends.
After Shabbat – the Havdalah is minimal, and the evening prayer of Maariv includes reading Eicha, the biblical “Book of Lamentations.
During the Fast – Prohibitions include eating and drinking, washing for pleasure, anointing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. Those who must eat should make Havdalah over grape juice and recite “Ha-mavdil bein kodesh lechol” beforehand.
After the Fast – Sunday, a complete Havdalah is recited after the fast, including the blessings over wine. The restrictions of the “Nine Days” end the next day—Monday, the 11th of Av—at midday (approximately 12:45).
