Tisha B'Av in Jerusalem 2026
Jul 22 – Jul 23, 2026 · updated daily
Tisha B'Av in Jerusalem is unlike anywhere else: the reading of Eicha (Lamentations) facing the Western Wall and across the Old City, the traditional walk around the Old City gates, and study evenings, tours, and screenings in the spirit of the day at cultural institutions across the city.
Nowhere is Tisha B'Av felt like in Jerusalem — a fast mourning the destruction of the city, observed inside the city itself. On the eve of the fast, entertainment venues are closed by law and most restaurants shut, but that is exactly when dozens of study events, tours, and Eicha readings take place. Arrive at the Old City early — the Western Wall plaza fills up.
Tisha B'Av events already on the calendar
11 eventsמדברים עם הבית: תשעה באב בבית אבי חי לנוער
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 20:00
בית אבי חי
How Rocks Break - Tisha B'Av Night in the City of David
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 20:30
עיר דוד
Tisha B'Av Night at the Knesset Museum
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 20:30–23:00
מוזיאון הכנסת
Tour and Lamentations Reading at Heichal Shlomo
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 20:30–22:30
היכל שלמה
Tisha B'Av at the Begin Heritage Center
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 20:45–23:59
מרכז מורשת בגין
Speak to the Heart - Tisha B'Av Evening at the Tower of David
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 21:00–23:00
מוזיאון מגדל דוד
הקרנת "יוני אפס" ומפגש עם תום שובל
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 11:00
בית אבי חי
התנתקות: חורבן, זיכרון, מסך — מפגש עם הבמאי לייזי שפירא
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 12:00
בית אבי חי
הקרנת "עין אחת פקוחה" עם תם גיאת
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 13:30
בית אבי חי
"אדם אדמה" בבארי — הקרנה מיוחדת ומפגש עם הבמאי יונתן זייד
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 14:00
בית אבי חי
הקרנת "הטרמפיסטים" (עונה חדשה) עם יאיר אגמון
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 15:30
בית אבי חי
FAQ — Tisha B'Av in Jerusalem
What happens in Jerusalem on Tisha B'Av?
On the eve of the fast: Eicha readings at the Western Wall and in synagogues, the traditional walk around the Old City walls and gates, and study evenings and tours at places like the City of David, the Tower of David, and Beit Avi Chai. During the fast day itself there are tours, screenings, and talks in the spirit of the day. The calendar on this page is updated with every event.
Are restaurants and attractions open on Tisha B'Av?
On the eve of Tisha B'Av, most entertainment venues, restaurants, and cafés are closed (in Jerusalem this is also enforced by municipal by-law). During the fast day, some attractions and museums are open, often with programming adapted to the day. Check ahead with each venue.
More holidays & seasons
Prefer Hebrew? תשעה באב בירושלים — the Hebrew version of this page