asher553 | Tisha b'Av

Tisha b'Av (the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av) is the commemoration of the destruction of Jerusalem in ancient times. Traditionally, it's observed with fasting and the reading of the Book of Lamentations. I didn't go to synagogue services, but I did observe a fast, and I read Lamentations alout, in English; it's very disturbing reading and never fails to bring me out of my complacency.

I think the observance also reminds us of how fragile life is, and how often we fail to appreciate what we've been given.