Tisha B'Av, observed worldwide, is a significant day of mourning and fasting in Judaism that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other tragedies that befell the Jewish people on this date. It recurs every year on the Ninth of Av, which falls on July 23 in 2026. The observance begins at sunset on the eve of Tisha B'Av and lasts for approximately 25 hours, ending at nightfall the following day. During this time, participants refrain from eating and drinking, washing or bathing (except for ritual purposes), applying oils or creams, wearing leather shoes, and engaging in sexual relations. Additionally, all enjoyable activities, including the study of Torah, are prohibited, although studying distressing religious texts like the Book of Job and the Book of Lamentations is permitted. Tisha B'Av serves as a solemn reminder of historical calamities, including the massacre of Jews at Betar fortress in 135 CE, the expulsion from England in 1290, and the expulsion from Spain in 1492.