Tisha B'Av 2025 in the United Kingdom

Tisha B'Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, is a day of mourning in Judaism, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is observed with fasting, prayer, and reading the Book of Lamentations, reflecting on the tragedies in Jewish history.

Tisha B'Av: A Public Holiday?

Tisha B'Av is not a public holiday in the UK. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours, though some Jewish communities observe the day with fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av, meaning the Ninth of Av, is a solemn day of mourning in Judaism. It commemorates the destruction of both the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. Over time, other tragedies in Jewish history, including the expulsion from Spain in 1492 and the Holocaust, have also been associated with this day. Tisha B'Av serves as a day of reflection on loss, exile, and the enduring challenges faced by the Jewish people.

Observance on Tisha B'Av in the UK

In the UK, Tisha B'Av has been observed by Jewish communities for centuries as part of their religious traditions. Synagogues and community groups have long held services and events to mark the day, helping to maintain a strong connection to Jewish history. Although it is not as widely known outside the Jewish community, Tisha B'Av remains an essential part of the Jewish calendar in the UK, fostering a shared sense of heritage and remembrance.

In the UK, Tisha B'Av is observed with fasting from sunset to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other comforts. Synagogues hold special services, including reading the Book of Lamentations, which reflects on the destruction of the temples. The mood is solemn, with many participants sitting on the floor or low benches to symbolize mourning. Some Jewish schools and organizations offer educational programs leading up to the day, encouraging reflection on the historical and spiritual significance of Tisha B'Av.

The observance of Tisha B'Av is important because it reinforces the connection to Jewish history and promotes a sense of unity within the community. It offers a time to reflect on past tragedies, resilience, and hope for the future. While life in the UK continues as usual, the day remains a meaningful moment for British Jews to honor their heritage and strengthen their faith.

Who Observes Tisha B'Av in the UK?

Tisha B'Av is observed by the Jewish community in the UK, which numbers around 270,000 people. The largest Jewish populations are based in London, with notable communities in areas such as Barnet, Hackney, and Camden. Other cities with significant Jewish communities include Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, and Birmingham. Across these regions, Jewish people gather in synagogues and community spaces to fast, pray, and reflect on the historical tragedies commemorated on Tisha B'Av.

Tisha B'Av Observances