The Tisha B'Av fast will begin on Wednesday evening, July 22, 2026, the ninth of Av, 5786, and continue until the following evening, Thursday, July 23.
Below are the start and end times for the fast, together with key religious laws, customs and prohibitions.
| City or community | Fast begins Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | Fast ends Thursday, July 23, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Jerusalem | 7:42 p.m. | 8:11 p.m. |
| Tel Aviv-Jaffa | 7:44 p.m. | 8:14 p.m. |
| Haifa | 7:45 p.m. | 8:15 p.m. |
| Beersheba | 7:43 p.m. | 8:12 p.m. |
| Safed | 7:44 p.m. | 8:13 p.m. |
| Rishon Lezion | 7:44 p.m. | 8:13 p.m. |
| Petach Tikva | 7:44 p.m. | 8:13 p.m. |
| Ashdod | 7:44 p.m. | 8:14 p.m. |
| Netanya | 7:45 p.m. | 8:14 p.m. |
What is prohibited on Tisha B'Av?
Mourning the destruction: Key religious laws and physical restrictions during the fast
| Prohibition | Scope of the prohibition and applicable rules | Rationale and special exemptions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Eating and drinking | Eating and drinking, including water, are completely prohibited from sunset on the eve of the fast until nightfall the following day. | The restriction expresses profound mourning, similar to Yom Kippur. People who are ill, pregnant or breastfeeding may be permitted certain exemptions after consulting a rabbi. |
| 2. Washing | Washing the body in hot or cold water is prohibited, whether for pleasure or cleanliness. In the morning, or after using the bathroom, hands may be washed only up to the knuckles. | Refraining from grooming and physical comfort forms part of the mourning customs marking the destruction of the Temple. |
| 3. Wearing leather shoes | Shoes or sandals made of leather may not be worn. Footwear made of cloth, rubber, plastic or other synthetic materials is permitted. | Going without leather footwear has long been regarded as a clear expression of mourning, humility and physical discomfort. |
| 4. Marital relations | Sexual relations and physical intimacy between spouses are prohibited throughout the fast. | The aim is to focus on national and collective mourning while temporarily refraining from physical pleasure and family celebration. |
| 5. Applying oils and creams | Cosmetics, creams, oils, perfumes and scented ointments intended to soften or moisturize the skin may not be used. | The restriction shifts attention away from pampering the body and toward the day's spiritual and historical sorrow. |
Why do Jews fast on Tisha B'Av?
The destruction of the First Temple
The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed on Tisha B'Av in 586 BCE by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon.
Its destruction marked the end of the First Temple period and the beginning of the Babylonian exile, one of the lowest points in Jewish history.
Source: 2 Kings, Chapter 25.
The destruction of the Second Temple
The Second Temple, built after the Jews returned from the Babylonian exile, was destroyed by the Romans under Titus on Tisha B'Av in 70 CE.
The destruction brought the Second Temple period to an end and marked the beginning of the Roman exile. It is considered one of the greatest disasters in Jewish history and the beginning of the Jewish people's dispersion throughout the world.
The destruction occurred during the Nine Days, the mourning period that begins on the first day of the Hebrew month of Av and culminates on Tisha B'Av. It is regarded as the most solemn period in the Jewish calendar.
Source: Tosefta Ta'anit, Chapter 4, Section 8.
The fall of Beitar
On Tisha B'Av in 135 CE, the Romans captured the city of Beitar, an event that symbolized the failure of the Bar Kokhba Revolt.
It was the largest Jewish uprising against Roman rule, and the fall of Beitar was one of its darkest moments. After capturing the city, the Romans killed its inhabitants and did not permit the dead to be buried.
Source: Tosefta Ta'anit, Chapter 3, Section 6.
The plowing of Jerusalem
Following the failure of the Bar Kokhba Revolt, Roman Emperor Hadrian had Jerusalem plowed over on Tisha B'Av and established the Roman city of Aelia Capitolina in its place.
The event marked the complete transformation of Jerusalem and the conversion of the holy city into a pagan Roman city. The Roman commander Turnus Rufus destroyed Jewish holy sites and built a temple to Roman gods.
Source: Babylonian Talmud, Gittin 57b.
Additional customs
Reciting lamentations
It is customary to read the Book of Lamentations and recite kinot, liturgical elegies, in synagogues. The elegies recount tragic events that befell the Jewish people throughout history.
This custom is generally observed in Jewish communities regardless of ethnic tradition or location.
Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 558.
Special prayers
The Nachem prayer, which expresses hope for the rebuilding of the Third Temple, is added to the Amidah prayer.
Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 559.
Tefillin
It is customary not to wear tefillin during the morning service, but to put them on during the afternoon service, in keeping with mourning practices.
This custom is observed mainly by Ashkenazi Jews and some Sephardi communities.
Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 559.
Additional religious laws
Sitting on the floor
People do not sit on regular chairs, but instead sit on the floor or on low stools, as mourners do.
Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 558.
Working on Tisha B'Av
There is no absolute prohibition against working, but the Shulchan Aruch states that anyone who works on Tisha B'Av "will not see a sign of blessing from that work."
Work that must be performed to prevent a loss, work carried out for the public or work connected to a religious commandment is permitted.
This applies mainly to people employed in essential services or in jobs where failure to work would cause financial or material damage.
Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 554.
Business closures
Under Israeli law, local authorities may prohibit restaurants and entertainment venues from opening on Tisha B'Av.
The eve of Tisha B'Av is considered a shortened business day. Public transportation operates on a reduced schedule on the evening the fast begins. On Tisha B'Av itself, public transportation operates as usual.
Giving charity
The Jewish sages ruled that charity equivalent to the value of three meals should be given on the fast day, based on the Talmudic saying, "The reward for a fast is charity."
This important custom encourages generosity and assistance to people in need on the day of the fast.
Source: Ta'anit 16a.
