According to Jewish tradition, Jerusalem  was conquered, its Temple destroyed, and our people exiled on this date, first by Babylonian conquerors (586 BCE) and later by the Roman army (70 CE).  

A full-day (25-hour) fast marks the somber anniversary also widely commemorated and pondered in Jewish literature, folklore, and religious teaching.  There are ominous historical overtones to the occasion:  Repeatedly and over many centuries, major cataclysms - expulsions, crusades, and wars - affecting Jewish people and the entire world occurred or commenced on the Ninth of Av.

Customs, along with the fast, include those associated with mourning, such as not wearing leather, not greeting other people or engaging in conversation, and sitting on the floor or a low stool.

On Wednesday, July 26 at 8:00 pm, we will hold a brief service in CBE’s sanctuary to mark Tisha b’Av. 

Those wishing to do a reading or chant a passage during the service should please contact Rabbi Seth at  olamhaba18@gmail.com