Wishing our Jewish colleagues a meaningful Tisha B’av

Tisha B'Av, observed on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, is a significant day of mourning and reflection for the Jewish people. It commemorates a series of tragedies that have befallen the Jewish community throughout history, primarily the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. This year it was celebrated yesterday (Tuesday).

The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, leading to the Babylonian Exile. The Second Temple, which stood on the same site, was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, marking a devastating blow to Jewish sovereignty and spiritual life.

Tisha B'Av is a day of fasting, prayer, and reading the Book of Lamentations, which mourns the destruction of Jerusalem. The day also recalls other historical calamities, including the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290 and Spain in 1492 and other persecutions and massacres throughout the ages.

The observance of Tisha B'Av involves various customs reflecting mourning, such as not eating or drinking for 25 hours, washing or bathing, or wearing leather. The day serves as a profound reminder of Jewish resilience and continuity despite adversity, fostering a sense of communal solidarity and historical consciousness among Jewish people worldwide.

We would like to wish our Jewish brothers and sisters a meaningful Tisha B’av.