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Tisha B'Av - The Ninth of Av
Observed by Jews , this day commemorates the destruction of the first & second Temples in Jerusalem, and more generally for all calamities which have befallen the Jewish people.
Tisha B'Av, "the Ninth of Av," is an annual fast day in Judaism, named for the ninth day (TISHA) of the month of AV in the Hebrew calendar. The fast commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, which occurred about 656 years apart, but on the same date. Accordingly, the day has been called the "saddest day in Jewish history".
According to the MISHNAH (TAANIT 4:6), the day commemorates five events: the destruction of the Temples, the return of the twelve scouts sent by Moses to observe the land of Canaan, the razing of Jerusalem following the siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, and the failure of Bar Kokhba's revolt against the Roman Empire.
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The Tisha B'Av fast lasts about 25 hours, beginning at sunset on the eve of Tisha B'Av and ending at nightfall the next day. In addition to the prohibitions against eating or drinking, observant Jews also observe prohibitions against washing or bathing, applying creams or oils, wearing leather shoes, or having sexual relations. In addition, mourning customs similar to those applicable to the SHIVA period immediately following the death of a close relative are traditionally followed for at least part of the day, including sitting on low stools, refraining from work, and not greeting others.
The Book of Lamentations is traditionally read, followed by a series of liturgical lamentations called Kinnot. In Sephardic communities, it is also customary to read the Book of Job.
This year [2009], Tisha B'Av begins at sunset on the eve of July 29 and end at nightfall on July 30.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tisha_B'Av
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