Tisha b’Av (the ninth day of Av) marks one of the low points in our Jewish calendar. It commemorates the destruction of the First and Second temples, and the beginning of the galut – the exile into the diaspora – which was our Jewish fate until recent history, with the founding of the state of Israel.

Tisha b’Av is traditionally a full fast day from sundown to sun-down. Our synagogue service begins with havdalah at 7:30 pm and then ma’ariv, the evening service, followed by the chanting of Eicha, the Book of Lamentations. It is customary to sit on the floor or on low chairs during the reading of Eicha. The evening service is recited with a plaintive tone and Lamentations are chanted to a haunting melody. We will also be singing stirring songs between the chapters of Eicha. Please join us in person or on Zoom to participate in this unique service and to learn more about Tisha b’Av.