Tisha B'Av Customs On Tisha B'av it is customary to intensify the mourning customs that commenced with the Fast of 17th of Tammuz and continued through the Three Weeks. Since time immemorial: Mourning for Jerusalem Before the fast. Before the fast it is customary to eat a final meal (Seuda HaMafseket). At this meal, we eat only one cooked dish. The meal should not include meat or wine. Drinking any alcoholic beverage is also forbidden. At this last meal, we eat a boiled egg dipped in ashes as a sign of mourning. (The roundness of the egg is a sign of the cycle of life; its hardness a symbol of the Jewish people's ability to withstand persecution). The meal is eaten alone, while sitting on a low seat or the floor itself. The Fast We begin the fast just before sundown. While fasting, food and drink are forbidden, as is bathing, washing for pleasure, the use of oils or perfumes, wearing leather shoes, marital relations, and working (according to custom). Even the study of Torah is forbidden (since this is a joyful activity); however, learning passages related to the destruction, the trials of Job, and so on, is permitted. In the Synagogue. Generally, the sad and reflective tone of the day is observed, as follows; The congregants sit on low benches. The chazan leads the prayers in a low, mournful tone. The lights are dimmed, candles are lit, and the curtain of the Ark is removed. In the evening, the Book of Lamentations is followed by special mournful dirges called Kinnot. After the main part of the morning service, Kinnot are read recalling many of the tragic events in Jewish history The Tallis (prayer shawl) and Tefillin (phylacteries), considered as ornaments, are not worn until the afternoon prayer service (Minchah) is said. Visiting graves It is not uncommon to visit the graves of relatives or pious people, to pray for the sick and to ask for the speedy redemption of the people of Israel. In Israel In Israel, crowds visit the Western Wall on Tisha B'Av where the Lamentations and Kinnot are recited by the different communities according to their rites. Of course, there are different customs depending on ethnic heritage. Hear Megilat Aicha!