Traditional Recital of 'Lamentations' Next to Temple Mount
As part of the national Jewish fast day of Tisha B'Av observed Wednesday night and today (Thursday), Jews around the world hold public recitals of the biblical book of Eicha (Lamentations), authored by Jeremiah the prophet after the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem in Babylonian times.
In the video below, Bible Scholar David Solomon recites the Book of Eicha against the backdrop of Jerusalem's Temple Mount in its traditional melancholy melody, as Rabbi Tovia Singer gives a short introduction in English. (Email readers, please click here to view both video reports.)
A person who is not able to attend a public recital of Eicha on the fast day should read the Book of Lamentations together with the video recital below, filmed on site at the Gush Katif Museum.
This week marks the fourth anniversary of the expulsion of more than 8,000 Jews from their homes in the Gush Katif region of Gaza and northern Samaria. Most have not yet found new permanent homes, and many still have no jobs.
More Tisha B'Av Videos
Tisha B'Av - Rectifying the Sin of the Spies on Tisha B'Av - What Does it Mean Today?
Traditional Recital of Eicha (Lamentations) Next to Temple Mount
Video: Why Do We Mourn on Tisha B'Av? with Rabbi Chaim Richman
Video Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: From Destruction to Liberation
Video Tour of City of David - Preparing for Tisha B'Av
Interview - The Tisha B'Av Before the 2005 Expulsion