Saturday night marks the beginning of this year's observance of Tisha B'av. Our sages teach us that there were five great calamities that befell the Jewish people on this date in Jewish history.
1. The 10 spies brought back the evil report about the Land of Israel
2. The destruction of the First Temple
3. The destruction of the Second Temple
4. The Fortress of Betar fell to the Romans
5. The Temple site was plowed over
Throughout modern history as well, from the Crusades to the Holocaust to the present day, bad things happen on Tisha B'av.
George Santayana once said, "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it," and it is therefore our sacred task to remember the torments and pains of our people's past, however unpleasant it may be. In particular this year, with the Iran deal coming to a close and Israel's very existence thrown into jeopardy, we must not neglect the lessons, and observances, of Tisha B'av.
Please find below a brief overview of the Laws of Tisha B'av. Also, click here to read a powerful essay written by Rabbi Emanuel Feldman about Tisha B'av.
1. There is no formal Seudah Mafseket this year since we do not engage in public signs of mourning on Shabbat.
2. The fast begins at 8:23PM on Saturday night, while it is still Shabbat. Seudah Shelishit must be finished by this time.
3. After 9:05PM on Saturday night one recites the Borei Me'orei Ha'eish blessing on a havdallah candle. The rest of Havdallah is recited Sunday night.
4. On Saturday night and Sunday, the following activities are prohibited: Eating and drinking, washing (even in cold water), applying oils, having marital relations, wearing leather shoes.
5. One should not learn Torah unless it is a part of Torah related to Tisha B'av, the destruction of the Temple, or mourning.
6. One should not sit on a chair of normal height, but should rather sit on the ground, or close to the ground - unless one has medical considerations. This restriction is lifted at 1:26PM.
7. One should not greet people as usual.
8. Tallis and Tefillin are worn at Mincha on Sunday, not Shacharit.
9. The fast ends at 9:04PM on Sunday night. Before eating, Havdallah (borei pri hagafen and Hamavdil) is recited.
May our observance of Tisha B'av help bring the final redemption of our people and our land. Next year in Jerusalem!
