Thousands Gather at Western Wall for Tisha B'Av National Day of Mourning

With sunset marking the start of Tisha B'Av, the Jewish people entered their national day of mourning for the destruction of the Temples. Across Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide, worshippers gathered in synagogues to read the Book of Lamentations and recite dirges. At the Western Wall plaza, tens of thousands assembled for prayers and lamentations near the site of the ancient Temple.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation completed preparations to accommodate the large crowds expected throughout the night and the following day. Participants observed traditional mourning customs, including sitting on the ground and refraining from joyful Torah study, focusing instead on texts related to destruction and mourning such as Lamentations and the Book of Job.

Tisha B'Av is marked by five afflictions: fasting from food and drink, refraining from washing, anointing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. These restrictions begin at sunset and continue until stars appear, with detailed laws governing exemptions for health and other special cases. Additional customs include sitting on low seats until midday, avoiding greetings, travel, celebrations, and minimizing work and business transactions.

Even those exempt from fasting due to illness or other reasons are required to observe the day's mourning laws unless medically prohibited. Throughout the night and day, the ancient lamentations echoed at the Western Wall as thousands prayed, expressing longing for the rebuilding of the Temple and complete redemption. This solemn event unites Jews of all backgrounds in remembrance of the Temple's destruction.