Israel Prepares for Tisha B'Av 2026 with Traditions and Fasting Details
Tisha B'Av, the Jewish fast commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples, will be observed in 2026 starting on the evening of Wednesday, July 22, and ending after nightfall on Thursday, July 23. The fast begins at sunset and concludes with the appearance of three stars the following evening, with exact times noted for Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
The fast always falls on the same weekday as the first day of Passover in the preceding year, meaning it can only occur on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday; if it falls on a Saturday, the fast is postponed to Sunday. The nine days of mourning leading up to Tisha B'Av begin with the start of the Hebrew month of Av and involve customs such as refraining from bathing, laundering, eating meat, and drinking wine, although these practices vary among communities.
Tisha B'Av marks multiple historical tragedies beyond the destruction of the Temples, including the fall of Betar during the Bar Kokhba revolt, the razing of Jerusalem before the Roman city Aelia Capitolina was established, and the expulsions of Jews from France, England, and notably Spain. The day is observed with the reading of the Book of Lamentations and special kinnot (dirges) that reflect on Jewish suffering throughout history.
On the eve of Tisha B'Av, business hours are shortened, and some municipalities may restrict the operation of food establishments. Public transportation runs on a reduced schedule before the fast but returns to normal on the fast day itself. The traditional meal before the fast, known as the seudah hamafseket, is typically simple and meatless, except when the fast begins after Shabbat, in which case a regular meal including meat and fish is permitted.
Additional mourning customs during the three-week period leading to Tisha B'Av include avoiding haircuts, weddings, and new clothing purchases, as well as refraining from swimming and bathing during the fast. The fast also prohibits marital relations, Torah study, and wearing leather shoes. These practices emphasize the solemnity and remembrance of Jewish historical tragedies.
