Jerusalem Guidebook · Holy Days
Tisha B'Av in Jerusalem
The Ninth of Av — mourning the destruction of both Temples
Tisha B'Av (תשעה באב) is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar — a full 25-hour fast marking the destruction of both the First and Second Temples. Nowhere is the day observed with more intensity than Jerusalem, where tens of thousands gather at the Kotel and along the Tayelet with a direct view of the Temple Mount.
2026 Dates
Tisha B'Av 5786 begins Wednesday evening, July 22, 2026 at sundown and ends after nightfall on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The Three Weeks of mourning begin on 17 Tammuz (July 2, 2026).
The Tayelet (Haas Promenade)
The annual Tisha B'Av gathering on the Haas Promenade in Armon HaNatzivis one of the most moving experiences in the city. Thousands sit on the ground under the stars, reading Eicha (Lamentations) with the Old City walls and Temple Mount illuminated below.
- • Eicha reading begins shortly after nightfall (approx. 8:30 PM)
- • English-language readings organized by OU-Israel and local congregations
- • Free shuttle buses from central neighborhoods
- • Bring a flashlight, water bottle (for after the fast), and something soft to sit on
The Kotel
The Western Wall Plaza fills throughout the night and day. Multiple Eicha readings in Hebrew, English, French and Spanish. Chatzot (midday) prayers draw enormous crowds. The Kotel Heritage Foundation live-streams for those abroad.
Kinnot at Synagogues
Every major synagogue in the city holds kinnot recitations on the morning of Tisha B'Av. English-language kinnot programs are widely available:
- • Great Synagogue (King George St) — Central Ashkenazi service
- • Yeshurun Synagogue — Popular English kinnot with commentary
- • Kehillat Nitzanim (Baka) — Rav Shlomo Riskin & OU-Israel programs
- • Hazvi Yisrael (Talbiya) — Rav Binyamin Tabory tradition
- • Sephardic communities — Ades, Musayof and Beit El with distinctive nusach
Halachot & Customs
- • Full 25-hour fast: no food, drink, bathing, leather shoes, or marital relations
- • Sit on low seats or the floor until chatzot
- • Study only permitted texts (Iyov, portions of Yirmiyahu, laws of mourning)
- • Refrain from greeting others casually