Tisha B'Av

Customs & Symbols

Customs

• Fasting from sunset until nightfall the following day
  
• Reading the book of Lamentations
  
• Reciting poems of mourning called kinot
  
• Sitting on the floor or on low seats
  
• Using subdued lighting during worship
  
• Avoiding joyful activities
  
• Refraining from wearing leather shoes in traditional observance
  
• Remembering the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temples

Symbols

• The destroyed Temple
  
• Jerusalem
  
• The Western Wall
  
• The book of Lamentations
  
• Low seats or the floor
  
• Dimmed lights or candles