Tisha B'Av 2026
Tisha B'Av, the Ninth of Av, is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other tragedies in Jewish history.
Halachic Framework
Tisha B'Av is a rabbinic fast day. Core rules:
- Duration: The fast runs from dawn (alot haShachar) to nightfall (tzait haKochavim) — a shorter span than Yom Kippur's sunset-to-nightfall fast.
- Exemptions: The ill, pregnant and nursing women, and young children are exempt. Anyone whose health would be at risk must not fast.
- Liturgy: The Amidah includes the fast-day blessing "Aneinu," and Slichot (penitential prayers) are added. Tachanun is not said on the fast itself but is omitted afterward as well.
Customs & Observances
- 25-hour fast from evening to nightfall
- Reading the Book of Lamentations (Eichah)
- Sitting on low stools or the floor in mourning
- Prohibitions on washing, anointing, leather shoes, and Torah study
- Reciting Kinot (elegies)
Greetings & Blessings for Tisha B'Av
Traditional greetings used before, during, and after Tisha B'Av:
- No festive greetings are exchanged on Tisha B'Av, as it is a day of mourning. Some say "May we merit the rebuilding of the Temple" (Yibaneh HaMikdash).
בעברית:
- בתשעה באב לא נהוג להחליף ברכות חג, שכן זהו יום אבל. יש שאומרים "יבנה המקדש".
About Tisha B'Av
Tisha B'Av, the Ninth of Av, is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other tragedies in Jewish history.
Also known as: Tish'a B'Av, Ninth of Av
Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the date shown and conclude at nightfall (when three medium stars are visible) on the final day. In the Diaspora, major Torah festivals are observed for two days (Yom Tov Sheni shel Galuyot), while in Israel they are observed for one day.
Tisha B'Av in Upcoming Years
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2027 | August 12, 2027 |
| 2028 | August 1, 2028 |
| 2029 | July 22, 2029 |
| 2030 | August 8, 2030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tisha B'Av 2026?
Tisha B'Av 2026 begins at sunset on July 23, 2026 (Hebrew date: 9 Av 5786). All Jewish holidays begin at sunset the evening before the date listed.
What is Tisha B'Av?
Tisha B'Av, the Ninth of Av, is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other tragedies in Jewish history.
How are Tisha B'Av dates determined?
Tisha B'Av falls on a fixed date in the Hebrew (lunisolar) calendar each year. Because the Hebrew calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar, the corresponding Gregorian date shifts annually. The dates on this page are calculated algorithmically — no manual updates needed.
Is Tisha B'Av a fast day?
Yes, Tisha B'Av is a fast day. The fast includes abstention from food and drink from dawn (or sunset the evening before) until nightfall the following evening.