The Nine Days - Eighth of Av

Eighth of Av

The eighth day of Av is called Erev Tisha B'Av (the eve of the Ninth of Av). Beginning in the afternoon, observant Jews do not take pleasure walks and prepare for the fast of Tisha B'Av, which begins at sunset. It is customary to eat a large meal early in the afternoon, and then to have the Seudah HaMafseket ("cut-off meal") right before sunset.

The Seudah HaMafseket resembles the meal of a mourner. The custom is to eat cold, hard-boiled eggs or lentils with bread and water. Only one cooked food may be eaten. The bread is dipped in ashes. Those who are eating sit on the ground or on low chairs, as they will during the night and morning of Tisha B'Av, and do not converse with each other.

If the Eighth of Av falls on a Shabbat, the Seudah HaMafseket is not eaten.