The Kosher Hub Guide
Tisha B'Av: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the Ninth of Av — the meaning, the laws, fast times, prayers, what to do, and recommended books and items to help you observe this solemn day with intention.
📜 What is Tisha B'Av?
The meaning, history and significance of the Ninth of Av.
Tisha B'Av — meaning "the Ninth of Av" in Hebrew (תִּשְׁעָה בְּאָב) — is the saddest and most solemn fast day on the Jewish calendar. It falls on the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av, which usually corresponds to July or August.
The day primarily commemorates the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE — both of which occurred, according to tradition, on the very same date. These were among the most catastrophic events in Jewish history, resulting in exile, persecution and the loss of the Jewish homeland.
Over the centuries, additional tragedies became associated with this day: the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290, the expulsion from Spain in 1492, the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and in modern times many connect the day to the Holocaust. Tisha B'Av has become a day of collective Jewish mourning across all of history.
Tisha B'Av is preceded by a three-week mourning period beginning on the 17th of Tammuz, during which music, weddings and haircuts are restricted. The final nine days before Tisha B'Av carry additional restrictions including no meat, wine or swimming.
📅 Tisha B'Av Dates — Next 10 Years
When does Tisha B'Av start and end each year?
Tisha B'Av begins at sunset and ends at nightfall the following evening — a full 25-hour fast. If the 9th of Av falls on Shabbat, the fast is pushed to the 10th of Av.
| Year | Hebrew Year | Fast Begins | Fast Ends | Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5785 | Sunset, Aug 2 | Nightfall, Aug 3 | Sat–Sun * |
| 2026 ★ | 5786 | Sunset, Jul 22 | Nightfall, Jul 23 | Wed–Thu |
| 2027 | 5787 | Sunset, Aug 11 | Nightfall, Aug 12 | Wed–Thu |
| 2028 | 5788 | Sunset, Jul 31 | Nightfall, Aug 1 | Mon–Tue |
| 2029 | 5789 | Sunset, Jul 20 | Nightfall, Jul 21 | Fri–Sat * |
| 2030 | 5790 | Sunset, Aug 7 | Nightfall, Aug 8 | Wed–Thu |
| 2031 | 5791 | Sunset, Jul 27 | Nightfall, Jul 28 | Sun–Mon |
| 2032 | 5792 | Sunset, Aug 15 | Nightfall, Aug 16 | Sun–Mon |
| 2033 | 5793 | Sunset, Aug 4 | Nightfall, Aug 5 | Thu–Fri |
| 2034 | 5794 | Sunset, Jul 24 | Nightfall, Jul 25 | Mon–Tue |
* When Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbat the fast is observed on the 10th of Av (the following day). Always verify times at chabad.org or hebcal.com for your city. ★ = Current year.
🕯️ Tisha B'Av 2026 — Fast Times by City
When does the fast start and end near you?
The fast of Tisha B'Av 2026 begins at sunset on Wednesday, July 22 and ends at nightfall on Thursday, July 23. Times below are approximate — always verify with a halachic calendar for your precise location.
🗽 New York
Begins: ~8:22 PM Wed Jul 22
Ends: ~9:18 PM Thu Jul 23
🌴 Los Angeles
Begins: ~7:55 PM Wed Jul 22
Ends: ~8:52 PM Thu Jul 23
🇬🇧 London
Begins: ~9:06 PM Wed Jul 22
Ends: ~10:12 PM Thu Jul 23
🇦🇺 Melbourne
Begins: ~5:27 PM Wed Jul 22
Ends: ~6:21 PM Thu Jul 23
✡️ Jerusalem
Begins: ~7:41 PM Wed Jul 22
Ends: ~8:44 PM Thu Jul 23
Times are approximate. For exact zmanim visit chabad.org or hebcal.com.
⚖️ Laws & Prohibitions of Tisha B'Av
What is permitted and forbidden on the Ninth of Av?
Tisha B'Av carries five major prohibitions, similar to Yom Kippur, as well as additional mourning customs. These restrictions apply from sunset until nightfall the following day — approximately 25 hours.
🚫 Eating & Drinking
No food or drink for the full 25 hours, including water. Those who are ill, pregnant, nursing or elderly should consult their rabbi.
🛁 Bathing & Washing
Bathing for pleasure is forbidden. Minimal washing for hygiene — hands in the morning, before prayer — is permitted.
👟 Leather Shoes
Wearing leather shoes is prohibited as a sign of mourning. Canvas, rubber or fabric shoes are commonly worn instead.
💆 Anointing
Applying creams, lotions or perfumes for pleasure is not permitted. Necessary medical applications are allowed.
💑 Marital Relations
Marital intimacy is forbidden on Tisha B'Av, consistent with the mourning character of the day.
💼 Work
Technically permitted but Ashkenazi custom discourages work, particularly in the morning. Many minimise unnecessary activity as part of the mourning observance.
Additional mourning customs include sitting on low chairs or on the floor (especially in the evening), not greeting others with "shalom," refraining from Torah study except topics related to mourning, and not wearing Shabbat or freshly laundered clothing.
🕍 What to Do on Tisha B'Av
Prayers, Kinot, the Book of Lamentations and meaningful activities.
Tisha B'Av is observed primarily through prayer, reflection and mourning. Synagogue services take on a mournful character, with the congregation sitting on low seats and the Ark parochet sometimes removed as a sign of loss.
📖 The Book of Lamentations (Eichah)
On the night of Tisha B'Av, Megillat Eichah is chanted in synagogue to a mournful melody. It mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish people — one of the most moving and distinctive services of the Jewish year.
📜 Kinot — Lamentations & Elegies
During the morning Shacharit service, Kinot (liturgical laments) are recited — ancient and medieval poems mourning the Temple, Jewish persecutions and national tragedies. Many communities use the ArtScroll Kinot with English translation and commentary to follow along meaningfully.
🪑 Sitting Low
From the night of Tisha B'Av until midday (chatzot) the following day, it is customary to sit on the floor or on low chairs — a traditional mourning practice. Many people keep a low folding chair or cushion specifically for this purpose.
🎬 Study & Films
Torah study is restricted on Tisha B'Av as it brings joy — except for the Book of Job, Lamentations, Jeremiah, and the laws of Tisha B'Av itself. Watching historically appropriate documentaries about the Temple or Jewish history is considered fitting for the day.
🙏 Prayers & Blessings of Tisha B'Av
Key prayers recited on the Ninth of Av.
📕 Opening of Eichah (Lamentations 1:1)
אֵיכָה יָשְׁבָה בָדָד הָעִיר רַבָּתִי עָם
Eichah yashva vadad ha'ir rabbati am
"How does the city sit solitary, that was full of people..."
The haunting opening verse of Megillat Eichah, chanted on Tisha B'Av night.
🕍 Nachem — The Prayer of Comfort
Nachem ("Comfort") is a special paragraph added to the Mincha Amidah on Tisha B'Av afternoon, asking G-d to comfort Zion and restore the Holy City.
נַחֵם ה' אֱלֹקֵינוּ אֶת אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן
Nachem Hashem Elokeinu et avelei Tzion
"Comfort, O Lord our G-d, the mourners of Zion..."
🤲 Aneinu — The Fast Day Prayer
Aneinu ("Answer us") is recited during Shacharit and Mincha on all fast days including Tisha B'Av — a plea for G-d to hear the prayers of those fasting.
עֲנֵנוּ ה' עֲנֵנוּ, בְּיוֹם צוֹם תַּעֲנִיתֵנוּ
Aneinu Hashem aneinu, b'yom tzom ta'aniteinu
"Answer us, O Lord, answer us, on this day of our fast..."
Havdalah after Tisha B'Av: When Tisha B'Av ends, a brief Havdalah is recited over wine or grape juice — but without the spices or candle of the regular Shabbat Havdalah. This marks the end of the fast and the return to weekday life.
🗓️ The Three Weeks & the Nine Days
The period of mourning leading up to Tisha B'Av.
Tisha B'Av is the culmination of a three-week period of increasing mourning beginning on the 17th of Tammuz (Shiva Asar B'Tammuz) — the fast day that commemorates the breach of Jerusalem's walls before the Temple's destruction.
📅 The Three Weeks (2026)
Start: 17 Tammuz — Thursday, July 2, 2026
No music, no weddings, no haircuts, no new clothing purchases during this period.
📅 The Nine Days (2026)
Start: 1 Av — Thursday, July 16, 2026
No meat or wine (except Shabbat), no swimming or bathing for pleasure, no laundry or new clothing.
Shabbat during the Nine Days is observed normally — meat and wine are permitted. Restrictions resume after Shabbat ends. If Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbat, the fast is deferred to Sunday (the 10th of Av).
📦 Recommended Items for Tisha B'Av
Books, chairs and essentials available on Amazon.
These are the items most commonly used or needed on Tisha B'Av. We have grouped them by category — all are available on Amazon with fast delivery.
📖 Kinot Books & Tisha B'Av Reading
ArtScroll and other publishers produce Kinot with Hebrew, transliteration and commentary — essential for following the Tisha B'Av morning service meaningfully.
These three books cover the full range of Tisha B'Av observance — from the complete prayer service with Kinot, to a family-friendly overview of the laws and customs, to a deeper study of the spiritual themes of the months of Tamuz and Av. ArtScroll editions include the full Hebrew text alongside English translation and commentary, making them accessible for those who want to understand what they are saying during the service.
🪑 Low Chairs & Floor Seating
On Tisha B'Av it is customary to sit low to the ground as a sign of mourning — from the night of Tisha B'Av until midday the following day.
The custom of sitting low is observed from the night of Tisha B'Av until chatzot (halachic midday) the following day. Look for a stool or cushion that sits clearly below 12 inches from the ground. A lightweight folding stool is practical for carrying to synagogue, while a floor cushion is comfortable for extended sitting at home.
👟 Non-Leather Shoes
Leather shoes are forbidden on Tisha B'Av. Canvas or fabric shoes are the most popular alternative — ensure the sole is also non-leather.
The prohibition on Tisha B'Av is specifically against leather shoes — including leather soles, not just leather uppers. Canvas sneakers and rubber-soled fabric shoes are the most widely used alternatives. The same shoes are also appropriate for Yom Kippur, making them a worthwhile investment for any observant Jewish household. Always check the product listing for material details before purchasing.
🔍 What to Look For When Buying Tisha B'Av Items
Expert guidance from The Kosher Hub.
📖 Kinot Books
Look for an edition with English translation on the facing page and commentary explaining the historical context of each elegy. ArtScroll's linear translation format is the most user-friendly. Sephardim should look for Sephardic-nusach editions. A compact pocket Kinot is handy for synagogue; the full-size edition is better for home study.
🪑 Low Chairs
The custom is to sit below 12 inches (approximately 30 cm) from the ground until chatzot (midday). Look for a stool or cushion clearly below this height. Lightweight folding chairs are practical for bringing to synagogue. A firm floor cushion or yoga block also works well.
👟 Non-Leather Shoes
The prohibition covers leather anywhere on the shoe — uppers and soles. Canvas trainers or rubber-soled fabric shoes are the most widely used. Crocs and plastic sandals are also halachically acceptable. Always check the product material listing carefully before purchasing.
📚 Jewish History Books
Tisha B'Av is a powerful day for learning about Jewish history. Books about the Temple, the Churban, the Exile and Jewish persecutions through the ages are all appropriate. Look for books from reputable Torah publishers such as ArtScroll, Feldheim, Koren or Maggid.
📚 Explore All Tisha B'Av Guides on The Kosher Hub
❓ Tisha B'Av FAQs
Common questions about the Ninth of Av answered.
1. What is Tisha B'Av?
Tisha B'Av is the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av and is the most solemn fast day on the Jewish calendar. It primarily commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other major tragedies in Jewish history.
2. When is Tisha B'Av 2026?
Tisha B'Av 2026 begins at sunset on Wednesday, July 22 and ends at nightfall on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
3. How long is the Tisha B'Av fast?
The Tisha B'Av fast is approximately 25 hours, beginning at sunset the night before and ending at nightfall the following evening. It is one of only two full 25-hour fasts in the Jewish calendar — the other being Yom Kippur.
4. Can you work on Tisha B'Av?
Technically work is permitted on Tisha B'Av, unlike Shabbat or Yom Tov. However, Ashkenazi custom discourages work, especially during the morning hours. Many people minimise unnecessary activity as part of the mourning observance. Consult your rabbi for specific guidance.
5. Can you drink water on Tisha B'Av?
No — the Tisha B'Av fast is a complete fast from all food and drink, including water. Those who are ill, pregnant, nursing or under medical guidance should consult a rabbi.
6. Can you brush your teeth on Tisha B'Av?
This is a matter of rabbinic debate. Many authorities permit brushing teeth using a small amount of toothpaste and being careful not to swallow any water. Others are stricter. As with all Tisha B'Av laws, ask your local rabbi for a ruling.
7. Can you drive on Tisha B'Av?
Yes, driving is permitted on Tisha B'Av — it is not Shabbat. However, the spirit of the day encourages limiting unnecessary activity and focusing on prayer and mourning.
8. What do you say to someone on Tisha B'Av?
It is not customary to greet others with "Shalom" or offer cheerful greetings on Tisha B'Av. Some people say "Good fast" before the fast begins. During the fast itself, minimal greetings are appropriate given the mourning character of the day.
9. What is the Book of Lamentations (Eichah)?
Megillat Eichah is one of the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible, attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. It mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple and is chanted in synagogue on the night of Tisha B'Av to a distinctive and mournful melody.
10. What are Kinot?
Kinot are liturgical poems of lamentation recited during the Shacharit (morning) service on Tisha B'Av. They mourn the destruction of the Temples, the exile and the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history. ArtScroll's Kinot with English translation and commentary is the most popular edition in English-speaking communities.
The Kosher Hub is not a Kosher Authority. For any advice please refer to your local Kashrut Authority.
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