Although this Shabbat is the 9th of Av on the calendar, the fast and its restrictions are held over a day with the fast beginning & the Megillah Eicha read Saturday night. Although Tisha B’Av is the most tragic and saddest day on the calendar it is referred to as a “mo’ed,” a festival.

The question is why is the day we commemorate all the tragedies of the 9th of Av, especially the destruction of both Temples, called a festival – the same description used for our most joyous holidays like Sukkos and Pesach.

The element of joy that is part of the Tisha B’Av experience is recognizing our devastating loss. It is realising that despite everything we may currently have, we really have nothing.