Tish'a b'Av is the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar, when Jews worldwide fast for a full day. Tradition and history tell us that many calamities befell the Jewish people on this day, the ninth of Av, including the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. During our service, Martin Mould and Carolyn Kaplan will chant portions of Eicha, the Book of Lamentations. This year, Tish'a b'Av falls on Shabbat, and since we may not mourn on Shabbat, observance is moved forward one day and will not include partaking hard-boiled eggs and "ashes" and reciting parts of Havdalah. Please bring a flashlight for reading as the lights will be kept low to add to the experience.

In addition, Dr. Maurice M. Mizrahi will lead a study session on "Tolerance". The persecutions commemorated on this day were all due to intolerance. But what is tolerance? What is expected of us on this score? Is tolerance genuine acceptance or is it simply another word for indifference and lack of care? Do observance and spirituality increase intolerance and disrespect of others? We will explore these subjects together.