Tisha B'Av

This weekend is a bit different.  Normal Sabbath sundown Friday to Saturday.  But then Sunday is Tisha B'Av - a day of mourning and remembrance.  The actual 9th day of Ov (Tisha B'Av) is on Saturday, but due to Sabbath, it is celebrated on Sunday.

Tisha B'Av primarily commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, both of which were destroyed on the ninth of Av (the first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E.; the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.).

Although this holiday is primarily meant to commemorate the destruction of the Temple, it is appropriate to consider on this day the many other tragedies of the Jewish people, many of which occurred on this day, most notably the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492.¹

The restrictions on Tisha B'Av are similar to those on Yom Kippur: to refrain from eating and drinking (even water); washing, bathing, shaving or wearing cosmetics; wearing leather shoes; engaging in sexual relations; and studying Torah. Work in the ordinary sense of the word [rather than theShabbat sense] is also restricted. People who are ill need not fast on this day. Many of the traditional mourning practices are observed: people refrain from smiles, laughter and idle conversation, and sit on low stools.

In synagogue, the book of Lamentations is read and mourning prayers are recited. The ark (cabinet where the Torah is kept) is draped in black.

So at sundown tomorrow, we plan to go to the Western Wall to observe all the prayers of thousands that will gather there.  Then on Sunday evening we are having dinner with Cathy and her family.  They are the American family we met who have been her five years.  It will be nice to spend an evening with friends.  

Scott figured out a way for us to enjoy the Olympics on our computer so tomorrow, our Sabbath day will be spent huddled around our Mac cheering for the US and Israel.