Tisha B’Av is a day of national mourning. It commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Batai Mikdash which both occurred on the Ninth of Av. It also commemorates the tragedies that have occurred to the Jewish people throughout our history.

On Shabbos Chazon (the Shabbos before Tisha B’Av) one is permitted to eat meat and drink wine at all of the meals, including Seudah Shelisheet.

All of the laws of Seudas Hamafsekes (the last meal before the fast) are suspended. The meal must be finished before twilight, which is 8:09 PM this year.

Before coming to Shul Saturday night for Maariv, recite the following phrase after nightfall: “Baruch Hamavdil Ben Kodesh Lechol.” Then change into your Tisha B’Av non-leather shoes.

Preparations for the fast may not be made on Shabbos. Non-leather shoes, specific for Tisha B’av, and Kinos/Eichah books may not be brought to Shul on Shabbos afternoon. One should bring them to the shul either on Friday evening before sunset or on Saturday night after nightfall.  When Tisha B’Av falls on Sunday, anyone who must eat on Saturday night/Sunday for health reasons should first recite Havdalah, omitting the blessing over spices. Women, who normally do not daven the Maariv prayer, must recite the following phrase Saturday night after nightfall before doing any work: “Baruch Hamavdil Ben Kodesh l’Chol.”