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Tish'a B'Av (mourning destruction of the Temples)
#1
Hi Rabbis and Director Michael-
I realize it is last minute but, what things shall we Noahides consider and what good things can we do on Tish'a B'Av?
Thank you!
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#2
Traditional readings for Tish'a B'Av from the Tanach (Hebrew Bible) are:
- the Book of Lamentations (written by Jeremiah)
- the Book of Job

Historical accounts on audio:
- the "Three Weeks"
https://asknoah.org/audio/the-three-weeks
- destruction of the 2nd Holy Temple
https://asknoah.org/audio/destruction-of...oly-temple

You can certainly increase in deeds of goodness and kindness for others, especially in giving donations to proper charities (which are not in conflict with Torah laws or morals)
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#3
Also pray to G-d for the coming of Moshiach (the Messiah) and the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdosh (the Holy Temple), as it will bring great blessings to the world.
Rabbi Yitz
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#4
B''H

Sh'lom Director Michael and Academy Rabbis,
Is a Noahide allowed to fast on Tisha B'Av, refraining from food, drinks, wearing leather shoes, washing oneself for pleasure and having marital relations (without following specific jewish customs like eating a last meal on 9 Av's eve)?
Thank you for your answers and Sh'lom!
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#5
Quoting from our (newly upated) web page which addresses the main point of this question, which is at:

https://asknoah.org/essay/ninth-of-av

QUESTION: Is it OK for a Noahide to fast on Tisha B'Av? [The 9th of the Hebrew month of Menachem Av, when Jews observe total fasting for about 24 hours and 40 minutes, as part of their traditional mourning on this anniversary of the destruction of both the first and the second Holy Temples in Jerusalem.]

ANSWER: It would seem that if a Noahide would make a full observance of all the Jewish precepts of Tisha B'Av [especially if this includes specifically refraining from wearing leather shoes, washing for pleasure and having marital relations], he would be making a religiously-observed memorial day for himself, which is like innovating a religious observance, which is forbidden.

Rabbi Moshe Weiner, author of "Sefer Sheva Mitzvot HaShem," says that the only point upon which an individual Noahide could justify fasting is that he is mourning the temporary (but far too long) destruction of the Holy Temple and the exile of the Divine Presence. Since this is a permitted activity, it depends on his intention.

However, in this final generation of spiritual exile (which will please G-d be the first generation of the Redemption), people are not nearly as physically strong as they used to be. Therefore it is recommended that fasting should be minimized, if done at all, for those who are not obligated. Certainly a Noahide who has a medical problem should not fast if there is any health risk involved, or he should consult with his doctor as to what he can safely do.

Furthermore, the continuous obligation of Noahides is "yishuv olom," improving the condition of the world, and one who is weakened by fasting might fall short in what he could have accomplished that day for yishuv olom, G-d forbid. Also, if fasting causes one to become irritable, short-tempered or prideful, G-d forbid, there could be an actual bad effect from the fasting, which is the opposite of what needs to be accomplished. In our days it is very acceptable to substitute non-obligatory fasting with donations to proper charities (the value of at least one normal meal is suggested). Recommended charities are those which are consistent with Torah-true principles and yishuv olom. Also, the main practical intention is not for fasting, but for repentance.

Certainly a Noahide is encouraged to pray that the Third Holy Temple shall be established by Moshiach ben David very speedily in our days. And it very appropriate for a Noahide to read the Book of Lamentations on the night and/or day of Tisha B'Av.
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#6
B''H

Sh'lom, Director Michael and Academy Rabbis,
Thank you very much for the answer of my question! Hopefully this was the last 9 Av of mourning, and the next year it will be a day of rejoicing!
Smile
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