Tisha B’Ab, the Jewish rellgious fast commemorating the conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple by the Roman legions which marked the loss of Judea’s national independence, was celebrated Wednesday night and yesterday in synagogues throughout the world.
The fast coincides with the 186th anniversary of the invasion of the Roman soldiers into the precincts of the Jerusalem Temple and the setting of fire to it. According to the historic records, the event occurred in the ninth day of the Hebrew month Ab in the year 3329 of the Jewish era and inthe year 70 of the Christian era. The synagogue ritual includes the recital of Jermiah’s Lamentations and other prayers in mourning of the “Glory of Israel that has departed.” Orthodox Jews are forbidden to wear shoes throughout the day.
Zionist committees and various Jewish organizations affiliated with the Jewish National Fund arranged for special Tisha B’Ab collection of funds in all synagogus as a contribution of the worshippers toward the Palestine Land Fund, according to an announcement by Harry J. Kahn, acting president of the Jewish National Fund of America.
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