Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av History

Tisha B'Av is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, which occurred centuries apart. The holiday falls on the ninth day of the month of Av in the Jewish calendar and is marked with fasting, mourning, and prayer. In Canada, Tisha B'Av is observed by the Jewish community as an opportunity to reflect on the tragedies of the past and the ongoing struggles faced by the Jewish people. Many synagogues and Jewish organizations hold special services and events to mark the occasion.

The history of Tisha B'Av in Canada dates back to the arrival of Jewish immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These early settlers established synagogues and Jewish institutions across the country, and Tisha B'Av became a regular part of the Jewish calendar.

Over time, Tisha B'Av has taken on a broader meaning in Canada, serving as a reminder of the need to confront hatred, prejudice, and violence in all its forms. As a minority community in Canada, Jews have faced discrimination and persecution, and Tisha B'Av provides an opportunity to reflect on these struggles and work towards building a more just and tolerant society. Tisha B'Av is observed on July 26th.

Tisha B'Av facts

• As a symbol of mourning, many synagogues are dimly lit during this day and the Torah scrolls are often draped in black.
• According to Jewish tradition, the Messiah is destined to be born on Tisha B'Av, bringing redemption and rebuilding the Holy Temple.
• Some Jews refrain from certain activities like cutting hair, shaving, and listening to music during the three weeks from the 17th of Tammuz to Tisha B'Av.
• Jewish congregations in Canada hold special services on Tisha B'Av, where the Book of Lamentations (Eicha) is read. This biblical text describes the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering experienced by the Jewish people.
• Canadian Jews observe Tisha B'Av with customs such as fasting, mourning, and studying religious texts. The fast begins at sunset on the 8th of Av and continues until nightfall on the 9th of Av. This fast lasts about 25 hours, and it includes abstaining from food and water.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Tisha B'Av

Top things to do in Canada for Tisha B'Av

• Listen to a Kaddish prayer (prayer for the Dead). One popular one is Kaddisch found on YouTube.
• Mourn over tragedies which occurred in the last hundred years- such as 9/11, typhoons, hurricanes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, atom bombs, starvation and famine. Consider donating to a charity that serves the victims of such tragedies.
• Visit a Jewish museum or Holocaust center in your area to learn more about Jewish history and the tragedies the Jewish people have faced over time.
• Many synagogues in major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver may hold prayer services, special readings, or educational sessions related to Tisha B'Av. Contact local synagogues for timings and details.