One particular date has always been 'unlucky' for Jews. The ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av is traditionally a day of tragedy. It was on this day that spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan returned with a false report. Because the Jews believed the report instead of trusting in G-d, the group that had fled Egypt was made to spend the next 38 years wandering in the desert.
Since then that date, 'Tisha b'Av' has often brought misfortune. On that date in 586 B.C.E the First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians.
On the very same date, more than 600 years later, the Romans under Titus destroyed the Second Temple.
Also: the fall of the fortress of Bethar on Tisha b'Av in 135, ending the Bar Kochba rebellion against the Romans.
On Tisha b'Av in 1290, the official decree expelling Jews from England was signed.
The proclamation outlawing Jews from Spain in 1492 had as its' original deadline July 31. But then the deadline was changed to August 2 - the ninth of Av.
Update:Mike: it's not exactly 'celebrated'; it's a day of fasting and mourning!!!
Answers & Comments
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The question contains both the original reason why this date has been chosen by G-d for this purpose and the consequences. Here is short explanation according to traditional Jewish view: Indeed on the 9th day of month Av 12 spies returned from the promissed land, and 10 out of 12 spies gave discouraging report about chances to carry successful conquest of the Land. People of Israel chose to believe human view rather then to believe G-d, who said do not fear - I will be with you, and no matter who your enimies are I will cause them to fear you and I will give you victory. So the people cried in the desert since they desided it was impossible to take the land and thus they left Egypt in vain. That is the major sin of the entire people of Israel - not beliving G-d. So G-d said you cry for no reason, thus I will give you a reason to cry on this very day. Thus trgedies befell Jews on this day. Thus this day is a day of mourning and fasting for Jews. However, it is also believed that eventually G-d will turn this day from being a tragic one into joyful. But this is yet to come
I have heard of this before. It is very interesting. But don't believe in luck. Trust Psalm 91.
It order the make the holiday work it has required alot of streching of things to make it a reality. I use to call the a summer camp holiday because the only place I ever heard this holiday celebrated was when I was when I would be in attendance at a Jewish summer camp. Otherwise it has no real relevance.
Good Luck!!!
Wow. I've never heard of that before. I don't think it's just a coincidence. You mentioned about five unfortunate happenings of the same date and that's just too many to be a coincidence. I believe in signs, so I think that's one of them.
Whoa. That's sad and yet amazing at the same time.
I wonder what Numbers would say?