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What is Tishah b'Av?

by Mrs. Dinka Kumer

  

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Tishah b'Av, also known as the 9th of Av, is one of the two annual 25 hour long fast days. Known as the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, Tishah b'Av is the date on which both Jewish Temples were destroyed, as well as the date of a number of other major Jewish tragedies (see link below to learn more). In addition to the day's prohibiting food and drink, there are a number of other central mourning observances that are kept on Tishah b'Av - see link below.


Although Tishah b'Av is the Jewish day of greatest mourning for the exile, it also carries a message of hope for the future and ultimate redemption. The Midrash tells us that on the date of the Temple's destruction, the redeemer, Moshiach is/was born. May we see Moshiach revealed now, well before Tishah b'Av!


See the following AskMoses articles to learn more about Tishah b'Av:


What is forbidden on Tishah B'Av?


What are the customary Tishah b'Av observances?


What happened on the Ninth of Av?


Is it true that the Messiah will be born (or was born) on Tishah b'Av?


When is Tishah B'Av 


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RELATED CATEGORIES

Holidays
Holidays » 3 Weeks
History
Philosophy » Messiah
History » The Holy Temples
Israel » Messiah
History » Exile
Holidays » General Information » Holiday Information
Holidays » General Information » Forbidden Activities
Holidays » Other Days of Note
Moshiach
The Messiah. Moshiach is the person who will usher in an era of peace and tranquility for all of humanity when there will be no jealousy or hate, wars or famine. This is a fundamental Jewish belief.
Midrash
(Pl. Midrashim). Non-legal material of anecdotal or allegorical nature, designed either to clarify historical material, or to teach a moral point. The Midrashim were compiled by the sages who authored the Mishna and Talmud (200 BCE-500 CE).
Av
The fifth month of the Jewish calendar, normally corresponding to July-August. The saddest month of the year due to the destruction of the Temples, and the many other tragedies which befell the Jews in this month.
Temple
1. Usually a reference to the Holy Temple which was/will be situated in Jerusalem. 1st Temple was built in 825 BCE and was destroyed in 423 BCE. The 2nd Temple was built in 350 BCE and was destroyed in 70 CE. The 3rd Temple will be built by the Messiah. 2. A synagogue.