Tishah B’Av begins at 5:42pm.
The Paroches is removed from the Aron HaKodesh (or moved to the side).
The lights in Shule are dimmed to a bare minimum. Nonetheless, the Chazzan lights the usual number of candles; five for a Chiyuv, and two for a non-Chiyuv.
After Shmoneh Esrei, the Chazzan recites Kaddish Tiskabel.
Eicha is recited along with the Chazzan. One should not recite it standing, but rather should sit on a low chair. The Chazzan recites it unhurriedly, pausing between each Posuk and raising his voice slightly at the beginning of each Perek.
The last Possuk (i.e. the second “Hashivenu”) is recited aloud with the Chazzan, followed by a few short Kinos.
One who davens without a Minyan still recites Eicha and Kinos.
V’Atah Kadosh is recited, followed by the full Kaddish – excluding the line beginning Tiskabel – and Aleinu.
A Chiyuv recites the third Perek of Mishnayos Moied Kotton prior to the last Kaddish.
It is not our custom to sleep on the floor or to place a stone under the pillow.
