Israel Prepares for Tisha B'Av Fast on July 22, 2026, Marking Temple Destruction

Tisha B'Av, a day of mourning commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, will be observed on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The fast begins at sunset and ends at nightfall the following day, with specific times varying by location across Israel. For example, in Jerusalem, the fast starts at 19:46 and ends at 20:22, while in Tel Aviv it begins at 17:44 and concludes at 20:22.

This solemn day marks the culmination of the "Three Weeks" mourning period and involves five key prohibitions according to Jewish law: refraining from eating and drinking, bathing, applying lotions or cosmetics, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. Synagogues reflect the somber mood by removing decorative curtains, dimming lights, and having worshippers sit on low chairs or the floor until midday.

The liturgy centers on prayers and the reading of the Book of Lamentations, expressing grief over the destruction. Special kinnot (dirges) are recited, which have been composed over centuries to mourn the calamities and exile. Torah study is limited to topics related to destruction and mourning, as general study is considered joyous and thus inappropriate for the day.

Historically, Tisha B'Av has also become a collective day of national tragedy, marking other disasters in Jewish history beyond the Temple destructions. The observance serves as a profound moment of reflection and communal sorrow within the Jewish calendar.