August 11 holds special significance in the Jewish calendar as it marks the observance of Tisha B’Av. This day is considered one of the saddest days in Jewish history, as it commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Jews around the world fast and mourn on this day, reflecting on the tragedies that have befallen their people throughout history.
Tisha B’Av, which translates to the 9th day of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar, is a day of mourning that has been observed for centuries. The destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE both occurred on this day. In addition to the Temple destructions, many other tragedies in Jewish history, such as the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, have taken place on Tisha B’Av.
August 11 Jewish Calendar
Observance of Tisha B’Av
On Tisha B’Av, Jews refrain from eating and drinking, bathing, wearing leather shoes, and engaging in other pleasurable activities. Synagogues hold special services where the Book of Lamentations is read, and mourners recite kinot (elegies) to commemorate the tragedies of the past. Many Jews also visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the last remnant of the Second Temple, to pray and connect with their history.