Thousands gather at Western Wall to mark destruction of both Temples and Jerusalem, and ensuing exile of Jews from the Holy Land.
By JPOST.COM STAFFNinth of Av 311(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Thousands of observant Israelis gathered at the Western Wall on Monday evening to mark the Tisha Be-av, the day of fasting and mournful contemplation commemorating the destruction of both Temples and Jerusalem, and the ensuing exile of Jews from the Holy Land.Many religious people sat on the floor as they recited prayers and discussed the destruction of the temples.
In 1997, the Knesset legislated the prohibition of opening places of entertainment and pleasure – such as cinemas, theaters, concerts and sports events – on the night of Tisha Be’av.The Book of Eicha (Lamentations), written by the prophet Jeremiah who in the time of the First Temple had warned the people of Israel of the looming disasters lest they repent, was read at various locations in the evening, including the Kotel in Jerusalem.
