Tisha B'Av is a somber fast day commemorating a number of calamities that have occurred in Jewish history on this day, primarily the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Over the years, many other disasters have fallen on and near this day and have been added to the list of events that we mourn on Tisha B'Av. The observance of Tisha B'Av is similar to that of Yom Kippur in that eating, drinking, makeup, and leather-soled shoes are all prohibited on this day. In addition, Tisha B'Av observance incorporates rituals associated with mourning, including sitting on a low seat or on the floor. It is customary on Tisha B'Av to recite Eicha, the Book of Lamentations, the Biblical book of laments for the destruction of the First Temple. At our Tisha B'Av evening service at BSBI, we hold a short Ma'ariv service and recite Eicha by candlelight. We conclude our service with songs of mourning and of hope. We invite you to join us in our quiet and traditional observance of Tisha B'Av this year, at 9 pm on July 21st.