Sundown August 2, 2025 through August 3, 2025.
The 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av is a fast day that commemorates the destruction of the 1st Temple in 586 BCE, the 2nd Temple in 70 CE, and is also associated with the beginning of the Spanish Inquisition in 1492 and other tragic historic events. Traditionally, many of these events were seen as punishment for not upholding the mitzvot or for the lack of civility among people of different factions of Judaism. Regardless of one’s belief about the cause of the Temple’s destruction (or desire to rebuild it), this day is a reminder of the many attempts throughout history to destroy the Jewish people and Judaism. It is also an opportunity for us to mourn the losses we have endured.
Traditionally, we engage in a full 24 hour fast and listen to the reading of Megillat Eicha (Lamentations) to help us focus on the solemnity of the day and commit ourselves to building a better future. Tisha B’Av is the culmination of a three-week period of mourning that begins with the minor fast day of Sh’va Asar B’Tammuz (17th of Tammuz), which marked the breach of the city walls in Jerusalem that preceded the destruction of the 1st Temple. Tisha B’Av also begins the lead-up to the season of repentance, with Rosh Hashanah just seven weeks away.
As we have done for many years, we will commemorate Tisha B’Av jointly with several of our neighbor congregations, including Kol Shalom, Kehillat Shalom, B’nai Shalom of Olney, and Shaare Tefila.
All services will take place at Tikvat Israel and be available via Zoom.
Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 9:30 pm (Flax Library)
Ma’ariv and Havdalah (evening) service and reading the book of Eicha (Lamentations). As a sign of mourning, we encourage those who are able to sit on the floor; chairs will be available for those who need them. A flashlight (or phone) will be helpful, as the lights will be dim.
Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 9:30 am (Sanctuary)
Shacharit (morning) service, but as a continued sign of mourning, we don’t don tallit or tefillin at this service.
Sunday, August 3, 2025 2:00 pm (Sanctuary)
Minchah (afternoon) service, where we now wear tallit and tefillin. As the day continues, the mourning period eases, recognizing our people’s survival and our freedom to live and worship in the land of Israel. Some people follow a tradition to break the fast after Minchah.
Note: For those who are not fasting (or unable to attend a 2:00 pm minyan), our regular Mincha/Maariv minyan will take place at 7:30 pm on ZOOM ONLY.
The fast concludes at 8:54 pm.
