Things You'll Need:
- Jewish calendar
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Step 1
Avoid eating on this day. Fasting is a common ritual in days of mourning, especially in the practice of Judaism, and Tisha B'av is considered one of the most mournful days in the Jewish calendar. If fasting will compromise your health, speak to your rabbi about modifications.
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Step 2
Do not bathe on Tisha B'av. (Remember, Jewish holy days begin at sundown the day before!) Also, do not use lotions, perfumes or ointments on the skin. This is a day of sorrow, a day that is meant to be spent in paying attention to the holiness of the church, and not the glorification of the body.
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Step 3
Avoid wearing leather shoes. Wear shoes of cloth, rubber or other materials instead. This is an ancient tradition whose meaning has been obscured in time, but which is still observed.
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Step 4
Avoid sex, affectionate exchanges, hugging, kissing, holding hands and any other display of an emotion other than the deepest mourning, both inside and outside the household.
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Step 1
Know that the destruction of two of Judaism's most important temples occurred in the same month, although centuries apart. This holy day commemorates the deep convictions of the Jewish people and the resiliency of their faith.
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Step 2
Honor the traditions of the day, knowing that you are one in a long, unbroken chain of Jewish people around the world to respect Tisha B'av out of a love for God and the faith. This belief helps people to deal with the sometimes onerous restrictions of this and other holy days.
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Step 3
Know that many Jewish rituals emphasize respect for the spirit of the occasion, and not simply observing of the ritual. This is strongly emphasized throughout the Jewish liturgy. Do whatever helps you to commemorate the day of mourning.
