This evening, after the start of the 9 Av fast (in Dnipro – at 8:30 PM) and the evening prayer (at the “Golden Rose” Synagogue – at 9:10 PM), synagogues around the world will begin reading the Book of Eicha (also known as “Lamentations”), one of the five Megillos that is part of the section of Tanach called Kesuvim – the Writings.
The text was written by the prophet Yirmiyahu, who witnessed the destruction of the First Temple and the immense national and religious tragedy that befell the Jewish people. However, the prophet not only describes with astonishing force and imagery this great civilizational catastrophe and the suffering of the people, but also instills hope – the Almighty will answer His people and help those who trust in Him. The name of the scroll in Jewish tradition comes from its first word, “Eicha,” meaning “How!”
Eicha is read on the date of the destruction of both Temples – the Ninth of Av. It is the only one of the five scrolls read on a day of mourning; the others are read on festivals. Many believe this hints to a future transformation of 9 Av into a day of joy with the building of the Third Temple.
The scroll contains five chapters (elegies) and 154 verses. The first four chapters are structured as an alphabetic acrostic, where each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
To read the full English text of the Book of Eicha, visit link.
The reading of the Book of Eicha at the Central “Golden Rose” Synagogue will take place in the evening after the onset of the fast – i.e., on July 22, 2026, after 9:10 PM.
