Tisha B'Av, the Fast of the Ninth of Av, is a day of mourning to commemorate the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people, many of which coincidentally have occurred on the ninth of Av.
Tisha B'Av means "the ninth (day) of Av."

Tisha B'Av primarily commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, both of which were destroyed on the ninth of Av (the first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E.; the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.).

Although this holiday is primarily meant to commemorate the destruction of the Temple, it is appropriate to consider on this day the many other tragedies of the Jewish people, many of which occurred on this day, most notably the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492.

Tisha B'Av is the culmination of a three week period of increasing mourning, beginning with the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, which commemorates the first breach in the walls of Jerusalem, before the First Temple was destroyed. During this three week period, weddings and other parties are not permitted, and people refrain from cutting their hair. From the first to the ninth of Av, it is customary to refrain from eating meat or drinking wine (except on the Shabbat) and from wearing new clothing.

The restrictions on Tisha B'Av are similar to those on Yom Kippur: to refrain from eating and drinking (even water); washing, bathing, shaving or wearing cosmetics; wearing leather shoes; engaging in sexual relations; and studying Torah. Work in the ordinary sense of the word is also restricted. People who are ill need not fast on this day. Many of the traditional mourning practices are observed: people refrain from smiles, laughter and idle conversation, and sit on low stools.

In synagogue, the book of Lamentations is read and mourning prayers are recited. The ark (cabinet where the Torah is kept) is draped in black.
 
 
 

Instructions:
Read these instructions over several times, so that you will clearly understand the steps of this exercise, before you begin to meditate.

1. Meditate at a time and place where you will not be interrupted. If you are just beginning meditation, try practicing for only ten or fifteen minutes. Eventually, you can try to extend the time to twenty to thirty minutes.

2. It is important to schedule your meditation periods at least five times a week. Infrequent meditations may not produce the desired effects.

3. Sit comfortably. Choose a sitting position that is most comfortable for the duration of your meditation session. You don't have to sit on the floor, a straight back chair works just as well.

4. Relax you body as completely as possible and begin your meditation by focusing your attention on the inhalation and exhalation of your breath.

5. Take full breaths in and let them out normally.  Be mindful of the quality of your breath as you follow your breathing. Stay with your breath for a few minutes to get accustomed to your style of breathing.

6. Then take a few moments to contemplate the verse in Genesis 2:7: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

7. Start a scan through your body.  Slowly, check out the sensations you’re having in your legs and arms, back and chest, head and shoulders. There may be aches, or buzzing, or itching or temperature differences. You don’t have to think about them, just pay attention to what you’re feeling. Get to know what your body feels like.

8. Then take a few moments to contemplate the verse in Deuteronomy 28:11: And the LORD will give you abounding prosperity in the issue of your body, and in offspring of your cattle, and in the produce of the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give to you.

9. Check out how you’re feeling emotionally. Is there any sadness or hostility, anger or shame? Whatever it is you’re feeling, again you don’t have to think about it, just pay attention to what you’re feeling. Notice that emotions correspond to sensations in the body.  Whatever it is you’re feeling, notice where in your body is the feeling? Get to know what your emotions are like.

10. Then take a few moments to contemplate the verse in Leviticus 26:7: And you shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

11. As you complete this meditation, return slowly to your normal state of awareness. Bring your attention back into the room, in which you are sitting, and allow yourself to come to the true realization of what your life is all about. Allow yourself to become joyous in the celebration of life.

12. If you have any questions or problems with your meditation sessions, please email your comments and you will receive a prompt reply.