We will observe Tisha B’Av with prayer and reflection on Saturday evening August 2^nd at 8:30 p.m. During the Evening Service for Tisha B’Av we recite the Bible’s Book of Lamentations, Eikhah. We will also consider the meanings of this occasion

Our study and discussion theme for the evening will be Jewish Identity Beyond Hate and War as we reflect on the Jewish past and respond to this present moment in Jewish history.

Tisha B’Av is our calendar’s date of mourning. On the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av we recall tragic events in Jewish history whose legacy have shaped our identity and values. Foremost among the events we remember are the destructions of the two Temples in Jerusalem. The Babylonians destroyed the First Temple in the year 586 BCE. The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE.

We will also gather in observance of Tisha B’Av on Sunday, August 3^rd. Our 9:00 a.m. Morning Minyan will include the prayer customs of this solemn day. We don’t wear Tallit or Tefillin on the morning of Tisha B’Av as a sign of mourning.

Sunday, August 3^rd at 1 p.m. we’ll return for a special Minhah, afternoon prayer minyan, during which we wear the Tallit and Tefillin we didn’t put on in the morning.

Tisha B’Av is a full or partial day of fasting and introspection observed with emotion as we transform trauma into wisdom through ritual and conversation.