בס”ד
Introduction
Tisha B’Av is the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av. In 2024, Tisha B’Av falls on August 12-13. On this day, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, Jews observe a complete fast lasting approximately 25 hours and 40 minutes, during which they refrain from eating and drinking, wearing leather shoes, and engage in prayer. Tisha B’Av marks the culmination of the Three Weeks, a period commemorating:
Significant Historical Events
- 1313 BCE: The spies returned from the Promised Land with frightening reports, and the Israelites balked at the prospect of entering the land. God decreed that they would therefore wander in the desert for 40 years.
- 423 BCE: The First Temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II. This destruction led to the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people.
- 66-70 CE: The First Jewish Revolt against Roman rule culminated in the destruction of the Second Temple on Tisha B’Av. This revolt was a crucial event in Jewish history and resulted in significant losses for the Jewish people.
- 70 CE: The Second Temple in Jerusalem, rebuilt by Herod the Great, was destroyed by the Romans under General Titus. This led to the destruction of Jerusalem and a prolonged Roman dominance over the region.
Additional tragedies that occurred on this day include the Bar Kokhba revolt against the Romans in 133 CE, the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290 CE, and the expulsion of all Jews from Spain in 1492 CE.
Significance for Noahides
Noahides must always be cautious not to adopt Jewish practices that are not appropriate for them, to avoid creating a religious observance for themselves, which would fall under the prohibition of Chiddushei Dat [the transgressed when a non-Jew either creates a new religious practice for themselves or behaves as though they are obligated to observe the other mitzvot of the Torah.] Nevertheless, the Temple also holds meaning for Noahides. We read in Sukkah 55b:
Rabbi Yoḥanan said: “Woe unto the nations of the world that lost/destroyed something and do not know what they lost/destroyed. When the Temple is standing, the seventy bulls sacrificed on the altar during the festival of Sukkot atone for them. And now that the Temple is destroyed, who atones for them?”
Furthermore, the Temple is a house of prayer for the nations who wish to pray to Hashem, as noted in the words of King Solomon at the dedication of the Temple. The Third Temple will again be a house of prayer for Noahides.
| 41 Moreover concerning the stranger that is not of Thy people Israel, when he shall come out of a far country for Thy name’s sake– | א וְגַם, אֶל-הַנָּכְרִי, אֲשֶׁר לֹא-מֵעַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל, הוּא; וּבָא מֵאֶרֶץ רְחוֹקָה, לְמַעַן שְׁמֶךָ. |
| 42 for they shall hear of Thy great name, and of Thy mighty hand, and of Thine outstretched arm–when he shall come and pray toward this house; | מב כִּי יִשְׁמְעוּן, אֶת-שִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל, וְאֶת-יָדְךָ הַחֲזָקָה, וּזְרֹעֲךָ הַנְּטוּיָה; וּבָא וְהִתְפַּלֵּל, אֶל-הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה. |
| 43 hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to Thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know Thy name, to fear Thee, as doth Thy people Israel, and that they may know that Thy name is called upon this house which I have built. | . מג אַתָּה תִּשְׁמַע הַשָּׁמַיִם, מְכוֹן שִׁבְתֶּךָ, וְעָשִׂיתָ, כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר-יִקְרָא אֵלֶיךָ הַנָּכְרִי–לְמַעַן יֵדְעוּן כָּל-עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ אֶת-שְׁמֶךָ, לְיִרְאָה אֹתְךָ כְּעַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְלָדַעַת, כִּי-שִׁמְךָ נִקְרָא עַל-הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר בָּנִיתִי. |
| 7 Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be acceptable upon Mine altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. | ז וַהֲבִיאוֹתִים אֶל-הַר קָדְשִׁי, וְשִׂמַּחְתִּים בְּבֵית תְּפִלָּתִי–עוֹלֹתֵיהֶם וְזִבְחֵיהֶם לְרָצוֹן, עַל-מִזְבְּחִי: כִּי בֵיתִי, בֵּית-תְּפִלָּה יִקָּרֵא לְכָל-הָעַמִּים. |
When Noahides recognize the significance of the rebuilding of the Temple, it is appropriate to pray on this day for the swift arrival of the Messiah and the rebuilding of the Third Temple. However, Noahides do not need to fast as is customary for Jews.
Recommendations for Noahides
Rabbi Moshe Weiner, author of “The Divine Code”, states that an individual Noahide could justify fasting on the 9th/Tisha B’Av only by mourning the temporary (but far too long) destruction of the Holy Temple and the exile of the Divine Presence from being revealed in the world. Since this mourning is a permissible activity, it depends on his intent. When a Noahide voluntarily chooses to fast, provided it does not pose health risks, Rabbi Weiner recommends a lighter or shorter fast, or donating the amount normally spent on a meal to charity. Donating to charitable organizations aligned with Torah principles is always a good idea, as it helps make the world a better place for everyone.[1]
Books for Reading
Noahides can read any book from the Tanach. Specific books that could be read on this day include:
- Book of Lamentations: The Book of Lamentations, written by the prophet Jeremiah, is a series of elegies mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonians. It is read by Jews on the 9th of Av. The book describes the intense pain, grief, and devastation experienced by the city and its inhabitants. It reflects on the punishment and suffering of the Jewish people but also contains hope for redemption and restoration. The book is known for its somber tone and powerful expression of mourning.
- Book of Job: Although this book is not specifically read on Tisha B’Av, it is read at other times of suffering and mourning in Jewish tradition. It explores why the righteous suffer and offers comfort through Job’s ultimate restoration and elevation beyond his previous state.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With Thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback
Sources:
[1] Q&A Forum of AskNoah.org Tisha’a B’Av
You can read more about Tisha B’Av in this AskNoah Article : 1st & 2nd Temples Destroyed on 9th of Av: May Noahides Fast?
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