Masses of worshippers arrived at the Western Wall on Wednesday evening, the eve of Tisha B’Av, to take part in the reading of the Book of Lamentations, pray and recite kinot, traditional elegies, on the day of mourning for the destruction of the Temple.
In keeping with the customs of the day, many worshippers sat on the ground in prayer near the western retaining wall of the Temple Mount plaza. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation stressed that private vehicles will not be allowed into the Old City, and recommended arriving by public transportation. The foundation said the public is asked to follow the instructions of Israel Police, security forces and ushers at the site.
In Jewish tradition, Tisha B’Av is the day on which both Temples were destroyed. The sages instituted a fast on this day to express the heavy mourning over the event — and to awaken the people of Israel to repentance, based on the understanding that the same circumstances that caused the destruction then still exist today and continue to cause damage within us.
According to Jewish law, one is obligated to fast on this day and observe the five afflictions — refraining from eating, drinking, washing, anointing, marital relations and wearing leather shoes. In addition to these afflictions, it is customary to be stricter with mourning practices: One does not sit on a chair until midday, does not greet others with “shalom,” does not engage in idle matters that distract from mourning and does not do nonessential work until midday.
(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)
(Photo: Photo: Alex Gamburg)
In addition, Torah study is not conducted on this day except on subjects related to the destruction, such as the Book of Lamentations or midrashim on the destruction, or subjects connected to human suffering, such as the Book of Job. It is customary to be strict with the mourning practices of the Nine Days — refraining from eating meat and drinking wine — until midday the following day, the 10th of Av.
On Wednesday night, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is holding a special tour titled “And in Jerusalem, may you be comforted” for bereaved families whose loved ones fell in battles defending Jerusalem and the State of Israel. The tour will take place at destruction-era sites near the Western Wall and will connect the memory of the national destruction with stories of heroism and personal loss.
Ahead of the end of the fast, on Thursday at 7 p.m. circles of song and unity are expected to be held at the Western Wall plaza with the participation of thousands of worshippers and visitors. The event, held every year, symbolizes the transition from mourning to comfort and will be broadcast live on the Western Wall Heritage Foundation website.