Tisha B'Av

Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, is a fast day and the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. Among other historical tragedies, it commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE, respectively. One fasting abstains from food and other physical pleasures, reads the biblical book of Lamentations, and observes mourning customs.