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The Jewish Congregation of Maui will observe Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, from sundown on Saturday until after dark on Sunday.
On the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av in 586 B.C., the first great holy temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by invading Babylonians. Seventy years later, the second holy temple was erected. Almost 600 years later, once again on the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, in 70 A.D., the Romans sacked and destroyed the second temple. The temple was the vital, sacred nerve center of the Jewish people.
This is a day of grief, mourning and fasting. Jews around the world refrain from eating, drinking, wearing leather shoes, sexual relations, bathing, studying religious texts and greeting each other. Many sit on the ground or on low stools. These acts are meant to help people remember the events.
The Jewish Congregation of Maui invites the community to join it for Tisha B’Av at 6 p.m. Saturday. Mincha will be followed by a “before fast meal.” The fast begins at sunset. End of Shabbat with Ma’ariv will be at 7:30 p.m. followed by Megillat Eichah – Book of Lamentations, and Kinot – mournful poetry.
At 9:30 a.m. Sunday, there will be a Shacharit service. The congregation does not don tefillin and tallit at this service. Mincha afternoon service will be at 6:30 p.m. The congregation does wear tallit and tefillin at this service. Havdala and a light breakfast will be provided after the fast.
The Jewish Congregation of Maui is located at Beit Shalom Synagogue, 634 Alulike St. in Kihei. For more information, call the synagogue office at 874-5397.