Tish B'av (Jewish)

Tish B'av is the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av which usually falls in July or August in the western calendar.

It is a solemn occasion because it commemorates a series of tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the years, many of which have coincidentally happened on this day.

These include the destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE by Nebuchadnezzar when 100,000 Jews were believed to have perished, and the destruction of the second temple by the Romans in 70 CE. World War I and the beginning of the Holocaust are also associated with this day.

Tish B'av is observed with prayers and fasting. Shaving and the wearing of cosmetics and leather are banned, and people are also expected to refrain from smiles, laughter and idle conversation.

All ornaments are removed from synagogues and lights are dimmed. The ark (where the Torah is kept) is draped in black.

The Book of Lamentations, written by the prophet Jeremiah after the destruction of the first temple is read at evening services. In Israel it is traditional for mourners to congregate at the Western Wall - the last ruins of the second temple - to recite a 'kinot' or lament for the dead.