07/23/2026
Tisha B'Av 2026 at Chabad of Kirkland – The Ninth of Av
Tisha B'Av is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. On this day we mourn the destruction of both the First and Second Holy Temples in Jerusalem, along with the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history.
Our Sages teach that at the very moment the Holy Temple was destroyed, the soul of Moshiach, the final Redeemer, was born. This profound teaching reminds us that every struggle, hardship, and tragedy carries within it the potential for something infinitely greater. Even as we mourn on Tisha B'Av, we recognize its deeper message—that this day is ultimately the springboard for the coming redemption and the revelation of Moshiach.
The Prophet Isaiah taught that although exile came because the Jewish people did not follow G-d's will, "Zion shall be redeemed through justice, and her captives through righteousness." Our Sages explain that "justice" refers to Torah study, while "righteousness" refers to tzedakah (charity). During this time, we can hasten the redemption by increasing in Torah study, prayer, acts of kindness, and especially tzedakah. May our efforts help transform Tisha B'Av from a day of mourning into a day of celebration and joy, with the coming of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple.
Schedule in Kirkland:
The Tisha B'Av fast begins on Wednesday evening, July 22, at 8:56 PM.
Wednesday Evening
8:56 PM – Fast begins
9:15 PM – Ma'ariv and the reading of Megillat Eichah (Lamentations)
Thursday
8:15 PM – Mincha, followed by Ma'ariv
Tefillin will be worn at Mincha, as they are not worn during the morning prayers on Tisha B'Av.
9:33 PM – Fast ends
Mourning Customs
During the 25-hour fast, we refrain from eating and drinking, washing or bathing for pleasure, wearing leather shoes, applying lotions or perfumes, marital relations, buying or wearing new clothing, participating in celebrations or dancing, getting haircuts, and observing the other mourning practices according to one's custom.
The Mitzvah of Tzedakah
Giving tzedakah (charity) is one of the most important mitzvot of Tisha B'Av. Our Sages teach, "The reward of a fast day is the charity given." There is a longstanding custom to donate the value of the food and drink saved during the fast, and many give even more as a merit for atonement and to help bring the Redemption closer.
You can make a donation to Chabad of Kirkland and become a partner in its Torah learning, mitzvot, and acts of kindness by visiting:
JewishKirkland.com/donate
All mourning restrictions—including haircuts, eating meat, laundry, music, and related customs—end on Friday at halachic midday (chatzot), 1:15 PM in Seattle.
May these days soon be transformed into days of joy, gladness, salvation, and redemption for the entire Jewish people.
