Tens of Thousands Expected at Western Wall for Tisha B'Av Fast Observance

The Tisha B'Av fast begins Wednesday evening, marking the national day of mourning for the destruction of Jerusalem and the First and Second Temples. This year commemorates 1,956 years since the Roman destruction of the Second Temple. Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to gather at the Western Wall plaza to recite the Book of Lamentations. Throughout the day, synagogues across Israel will hold readings of the Book of Lamentations and recitations of kinnot (dirges).

The fast times for major cities are as follows: in Jerusalem, the fast begins at 19:47 and ends at 20:12; in Tel Aviv, it starts at 19:45 and concludes at 20:14; in Haifa, it begins at 19:48 and ends at 20:15; and in Be'er Sheva, it starts at 19:46 and finishes at 20:12. The article also references related topics such as government-sponsored fasting tips and a recent incident involving a serial offender stealing from a synagogue on the eve of Tisha B'Av.